-
Jeannie 10/04/2008 3:16:00 AM
Snowballer 2 /Mamie:
You are incorrect.
-Southwest Airlines made a verbal commitment and when pushed for a commitment in writing, provided us with a letter in October, just 2 months before the event indicating that we were only going to receive 100 tickets. I was very surprised and concerned, but after all, it took a huge leap of faith on their part to even give us that and we will always be grateful. Further Mike and I, contrary to popular belief, had absolutely no control over the SBE Website. We did not own or manage it. In spite of numerous requests for specific website content change and updates, they were not always met. Live and learn from this, we say.
-The rendering of the airplane was created for us to depict the "vision" that Southwest and Snowball had. this was produced by JU Advertising at their suggestion.
-The committment for Disneyland tickets was there as promised, when promised. In order for the tickets to be issued, Disneyland requested that a Determination letter be submitted, which SBE admittedly did not yet have. They would not accept Rotary's, so I contacted Mamie who professed to be our friend and supporter at the time. I requested that she send a letter to Disneyland on her letterhead, and gave her the required verbiage, along with Homefront America's Determination Letter, which would satisfy Disney's requirements. She ever so enthusiastically complied without hesitation. Little did I know that 2 years later she would hold a grudge and use it against me. The tickets were not given to Mamie, but rather to me. While Homefront or someone at SBE would prefer to distort the truth, Homefront simply deserves credit for adminstrating the final detail of the transaction. at my request. Thank you Mamie. Disney simply needed a 501c3 determination letter and request letter to execute the transaction, which SBE did not receive until February, 2007. (See below.). Further, my contact at Disnesy told me in no uncertain terms woudl they ever give us 1000 free tickets again , and this was a 1 shot deal. She graciously explained that they needed to disperse tickets evenly to hundreds of worht local charities. They were incredibly generous,and we could nto have done it with out them.
2 last comments: Given time and faith, good always overcomes evil.
Arciaga, primarily respsonsible for this article and all this negative press initiated by he and Gustavo himself, was evicted from his apartment on September 18th according to court records.
Denise Tyrell from Metrolink, who spoke out of turn not only about my husband, but also spoke out of turn re: the recent tragic crash, has "resigned." Sadly my kids are staying with him at a Best Western Hotel this weekend, thanks to our tax dollars.
Check out this link and factual article about SBE and Mike Kerr that you may not have read, thus clearing up once and for all any negative misconception about my husband and his selfless effort.
Link to first article:
http://www.ocregister.com/column/rafferty-event-says-1838879-year-last
�.and below are 2/2007 article highlights that in fact state the facts that Gustavo, the sensationalist and writer, refused to publish or acknowledge:
Saturday, February 10, 2007
IRS agrees to give Snowball Express tax-exempt status
.
By KEITH SHARON
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Comments 0| Recommend 0
The Snowball Express, the holiday charity event under scrutiny because of the fund-raising claims�.of its founder, has received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.
All donations made to the M. Scott Kerr Foundation are tax deductible, according to a document the IRS sent to Snowball Express founder Michael Kerr Friday.
"This is a day we've waited for and anticipated for a very long time," Kerr said. "It means everything we said is true."
Kerr's organization, which brought together families of military personnel who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan for a holiday weekend in December, had not yet achieved tax-exempt status when he began raising funds last year. The new IRS document says that all donors, who gave money after Sept. 25, can claim deductions�..
Kerr had been criticized for claiming to be fundraising for a nonprofit organization, which Snowball Express was not. Friday those criticisms were rendered moot.
"This frees me up to continue the mission of Snowball Express and take care of my personal issues at the same time," Kerr said.
Kerr said Friday that he expects next year's event will be even bigger, with more than 1,500 people attending. He said actor Gary Sinise, who is the lead singer for the Lt. Dan Band, will kick off the event with a concert.
Contact the writer: 949-454-7344 or ksharon@ocregister.com
Thank God for truth justice, and forgiveness.
God bless,
Jeannie
-
Mamie 09/09/2008 6:53:00 AM
Jeannie,
Did you forget to share this email? In case you don�t remember sending it, here is a copy for your files. Again, why would any reasonable person want to meet with you when this is what you spew?
From: Jeannie Moore
Well It is no surprise that that 2 of you don�t want to meet. You obviously don�t want to have to admit your lies and your wrongdoing. I was hoping we could clear up some misinformation but it appears that you don�t want to get �caught�. Your �Jason� is a liar and you know it. Claiming that the email went out to the masses when indeed it was sent was to one person, and it was confidential. He had very good reason to send it after her heard and then read that you �destroyed the Chili Cook-off�. Then you sabotaged his effort to help. Nice going. It shows much character on your part.
The fact that you posted it publicly is another perfect example of how you two operate. First you publicly defame Mike and the Snowball Express, then you send out a mass email and defame Operation Homefront(has it ever occurred to you that both Organizations are doing great things for our Military who you profess to love and support? Both organizations have new procedures and new people who don�t need your destructive �baggage� from the past, and the public degradation and humiliation that comes from you unnecessary an insatiable nee to try to prove to others that you are right?
I am truly disappointed at the behavior of you 2. Trashing others to get noticed. You try to come across so righteous but based on what I know, your behavior both passive aggressive and sadistic and if anyone needs �help� it�s you. First you almost destroyed the Snowball Express. Meanwhile you are still trying to destroy Operation Home front. You destroyed the Chili Cook-off, and thanks to you, you communicated with my ex husband who is also very sick, who wrongfully accused my husband of violating probation. It almost worked. Well nice try Art . You are sleeping with the devil� How does it feel to sabotage another volunteer effort to raise money for the Vietnam Vets and for the 111?
Art, you are 82 years old. Is that how you want to be known as the man who ran a charity that bashes other people and other charities to elevate himself and try to get press attention? If that is your goal, you are doing an outstanding job. Has it occurred to you that every time you say anything negative about another charity or another person involved with a charity, you are potentially hurting innocent employees, not to mention our military and their families from receiving the vast benefits these charities provide? If someone makes a mistake or error in judgment do you actually believe people don�t learn from the mistakes and do better the next time?
That is how we see it. Are you brave enough to admit that perhaps you can�t stand to have a charity event that you got kicked out of succeed, so you try to sabotage it? Is this not hate and revenge, both of which are sins? I don�t stand in judgment as none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes, but I certainly have questions.
I could go on, but if I have a false impression of the 2 of you, I would like to know the truth and see you in a more favorable light, thus have a meeting and open discussion. It is inevitable that our paths will cross again and unless we can resolve this, any future undermining of our efforts will be pointed at the 2 of you.
For the record, we don�t send hurtful emails out to the masses. We learned a valuable lesson since the Snowball Express. We derive our opinions based on fact and the information we are given.
You have hurt us immensely Mamie and Art. We have publicly and privately apologized to you for our human mistakes. Do you have any remorse for your hatred and lack of kindness, or like my ex, do you also feed off of hatred and destruction? It�s hard to believe we trusted you and had you in our home, and it has led to this? Why??
This is my last correspondence and invitation to meet and resolve this.
I welcome your response.
Jeannie
-
Jeannie Moore Kerr 09/08/2008 11:37:00 AM
Mamie:
I will share my email which you accuse as hate mail:
Mamie:
Obviously you have not changed. You would rather put your head in the sand that know the truth I guess. My husband and I have no interest in either you or Art. We are interested in serving our family and our country. While this matter will be taken up through the proper channels, meeting will definitely save us both much aggravation.
I have a question that I need an answer to. Can you honestly state that neither you, nor Art have ever been contacted by, or made contact with my ex-husband Michael Arciaga?
Please answer my question. If I don�t receive a written response, I will assume without question, that contact has been made between you and my ex. There is a serious matter at hand and the more cooperative you are, the better.
Best wishes,
Jeannie
You did not respond which was so telling.
-
Mamie 09/07/2008 1:55:00 AM
Jeannie,
Need I remind you that it was �Coni� or was it Jeannie, Coni, Angie, and OC Cop who started this whole blog thing by lying about my nose getting bent out of shape because Mike refused to hire me for Snowball 2006? Then, when I thought it was over, you started to pepper me with hate emails.
I am still wondering how Mike thought he would pay me or anyone else for that matter. The fact is he can�t afford me. Did you really think that I would simply roll over and go hide somewhere? I don�t enjoy this one bit, but I also will not allow anyone to falsely accuse me of any wrongdoing. I will set the record straight.
And here are more facts for the record:
1. Art was going to respond kindly to your first email, but before he had the chance to do so, you sent out a follow up email. This time you accused him of "sleeping with the devil.� You also kept ranting and raving about your "EX," which I find so bizarre. Your problems with your "EX" is simply that...your problems, not ours.
2. You then tried to defend Mike with his inflammatory email against HA for backing out of the 2007 Chili Cook Off because according to you, he sent the information out to ONLY ONE person, not to the �masses.� I am sorry, even if this was true, how is the act any less egregious? In my world, the number of people he sent the email to is irrelevant, but what is relevant is the fact that he sent the email out at all. He did so with malice and without provocation or justification for the sole purpose of furthering his own agenda. Unfortunately for Mike, he got caught flat footed.
3. No, I am not the one who has brought humiliation to you and Mike as you have stated. It is Jeannie and Mike Kerr who have done this. And until you two recognize this fact, nothing will change.
4. I wish I had the power over Gustavo to get him to spin his stories for my own gain as you have suggested. The fact is I don�t know Gustavo, and he does not know me. He was simply doing his job, and in the process he asked me for my opinion, and I gave it to him based upon my personal experience. When did it ever become a sin to tell the truth?
5. I am grateful for Snowball�s current leadership without your or Mike�s involvement. In fact, since Roy initiated contact with me shortly after SE 2006, we have had many conversations since, and they have all been very cordial and respectful.
Bottom line is the truth has a way of coming out and it certainly did with Mike. You say that you have taken responsibility for your actions. How? By ranting and raving and sending hate emails behind the scenes? Why would any reasonable person want to meet with the likes of you and Mike, and to subject themselves to more abuse in person?
I sincerely believe you need to get your own house in order before you can help others. From my vantage point, it is clearly not in order.
-
Jeannie 09/05/2008 8:29:00 AM
Mamie:
Once again, you owe me and Mike an apology. I offered to meet with you and you refused. I guess you can't own up to your own divisiveness and need to defame my husband,and now me, publicly, not to mention the other Charities that you spent so much time and energy attacking because either you are jealous of their success or you are deeply wounded because you are so difficult to work with that they rejected you.
My private email to you and Art labeled "confidential, let's meet " was just that, an invitation to meet, as I had professed in the blog ,and share what I'm certain is misinfomation. But I guess you would rather remain hatefilled and exploit my husband in the media to elevate you own charity while publicly pretending to be a victim, than to learn the truth. The public needs to know that you have alterior motives or you would not have said what you said about my husband.
It does not work with me Mamie. Sorry. I tried to be civilized and handle this privately and professionally, but you had to make your private vendeetta public. You can use the media (sorry Gustavo) to spin somthing for you own gain.
As Gustavo acknowleged, we have kept a completely low profile. We, for now forgive Gustavo because he has been manipulated. We just want to be left alone by the media and you, Debbie Gregory and Michael Arciaga, who are all violating our civil rights.It is criminal. We continue to focus on doing good behind the schenes and it is you and those mentioned who are obsessed with undermining our efforts, and we have a boxload of proof.
Mamie, You have done some wonderful things for our troops and their families and my hope for you is that you will use that positive energy to do good rather than initiate attackes on organizations that you percieve are a threat and support causes which you profess to support.
You have hurt and continue to hurt many innocent people and organizations. If Gustavo ever saw the hate emails we have received from the 3 of you, in- cluding a wonderful example by Art your president, he would laugh in delight and at the same time hopefully understand, and a very different story would be written. But that is not our style.
Again, I really beleive you believe your own BS, and the human ego is so powerful it will destroy anyone or anything that challenges your misconception. You have all invested too much!I t's human nature.
Gustavo,
I have learned to love you but it hasn't been easy!
You are brilliant, and God bless you.
-
Jeannie 09/05/2008 8:29:00 AM
Mamie:
Once again, you owe me and Mike an apology. I offered to meet with you and you refused. I guess you can't own up to your own divisiveness and need to defame my husband,and now me, publicly, not to mention the other Charities that you spent so much time and energy attacking because either you are jealous of their success or you are deeply wounded because you are so difficult to work with that they rejected you.
My private email to you and Art labeled "confidential, let's meet " was just that, an invitation to meet, as I had professed in the blog ,and share what I'm certain is misinfomation. But I guess you would rather remain hatefilled and exploit my husband in the media to elevate you own charity while publicly pretending to be a victim, than to learn the truth. The public needs to know that you have alterior motives or you would not have said what you said about my husband.
It does not work with me Mamie. Sorry. I tried to be civilized and handle this privately and professionally, but you had to make your private vendeetta public. You can use the media (sorry Gustavo) to spin somthing for you own gain.
As Gustavo acknowleged, we have kept a completely low profile. We, for now forgive Gustavo because he has been manipulated. We just want to be left alone by the media and you, Debbie Gregory and Michael Arciaga, who are all violating our civil rights.It is criminal. We continue to focus on doing good behind the schenes and it is you and those mentioned who are obsessed with undermining our efforts, and we have a boxload of proof.
Mamie, You have done some wonderful things for our troops and their families and my hope for you is that you will use that positive energy to do good rather than initiate attackes on organizations that you percieve are a threat and support causes which you profess to support.
You have hurt and continue to hurt many innocent people and organizations. If Gustavo ever saw the hate emails we have received from the 3 of you, in- cluding a wonderful example by Art your president, he would laugh in delight and at the same time hopefully understand, and a very different story would be written. But that is not our style.
Again, I really beleive you believe your own BS, and the human ego is so powerful it will destroy anyone or anything that challenges your misconception. You have all invested too much!I t's human nature.
Gustavo,
I have learned to love you but it hasn't been easy!
You are brilliant, and God bless you.
-
Jeannie 09/05/2008 8:28:00 AM
Mamie:
Once again, you owe me and Mike an apology. I offered to meet with you and you refused. I guess you can't own up to your own divisiveness and need to defame my husband,and now me, publicly, not to mention the other Charities that you spent so much time and energy attacking because either you are jealous of their success or you are deeply wounded because you are so difficult to work with that they rejected you.
My private email to you and Art labeled "confidential, let's meet " was just that, an invitation to meet, as I had professed in the blog ,and share what I'm certain is misinfomation. But I guess you would rather remain hatefilled and exploit my husband in the media to elevate you own charity while publicly pretending to be a victim, than to learn the truth. The public needs to know that you have alterior motives or you would not have said what you said about my husband.
It does not work with me Mamie. Sorry. I tried to be civilized and handle this privately and professionally, but you had to make your private vendeetta public. You can use the media (sorry Gustavo) to spin somthing for you own gain.
As Gustavo acknowleged, we have kept a completely low profile. We, for now forgive Gustavo because he has been manipulated. We just want to be left alone by the media and you, Debbie Gregory and Michael Arciaga, who are all violating our civil rights.It is criminal. We continue to focus on doing good behind the schenes and it is you and those mentioned who are obsessed with undermining our efforts, and we have a boxload of proof.
Mamie, You have done some wonderful things for our troops and their families and my hope for you is that you will use that positive energy to do good rather than initiate attackes on organizations that you percieve are a threat and support causes which you profess to support.
You have hurt and continue to hurt many innocent people and organizations. If Gustavo ever saw the hate emails we have received from the 3 of you, in- cluding a wonderful example by Art your president, he would laugh in delight and at the same time hopefully understand, and a very different story would be written. But that is not our style.
Again, I really beleive you believe your own BS, and the human ego is so powerful it will destroy anyone or anything that challenges your misconception. You have all invested too much!I t's human nature.
Gustavo,
I have learned to love you but it hasn't been easy!
You are brilliant, and God bless you.
-
Mamie 09/04/2008 10:52:00 PM
Jeannie,
Please do not send me any more hate emails. They only serve to confirm that you have not "changed."
Thank you.
-
Jason 08/28/2008 4:53:00 AM
Steven, I agree with you. The posts are very interesting.
An earlier poster mentioned that she had heard that for the first time in the event�s fourteen year history, the 2008 Swallows Inn Chili Cook Off did not make a penny for the event�s charities. This is true. Now, I am not suggesting anything here, but I do find it ironic that this was also Mr. Kerr�s first involvement with the event.
Since we are on a fact finding mission here, you can add this to the growing list of revelations:
In fall of 2007, a local paper reported that Homefront America removed itself as the 2007 501c3 sponsoring nonprofit for the Chili Cook Off event in San Juan Capistrano. And, as a result of its withdrawal, charities (including Homefront) that were slated to benefit from the event�s proceeds missed the opportunity to reap in mucho dollars.
Only one problem: The paper failed to report the reason that Homefront withdrew its support was because they had legitimate concerns over the lack of fiscal accountability of the event�s funds. To Mr. Kerr�s chagrin, at the end of the day, Homefront�s decision to withdraw proved to be a wise one.
When Mr. Kerr learned of Homefront�s withdrawal, instead of attempting to find out why Homefront withdrew from the event, he went on a campaign spree to defame the organization and its principals.
Here is an excerpt of what he sent out to the masses:
�My name is Michael Kerr and I am the founder of the Snowball Express. I read with disgust the article concerning the cancellation of the San Juan Capistrano Chili Cook Off. I have had dealings with Homefront America and I can tell you your event was doomed from the moment they became involved. We would like to offer our help, and can organize and support your event and pull the entire thing off by your October date with no problem.�
Coni, is this the behavior of a �good man, good leader?� On a side note, I noticed that your first post shows you living in San Juan Capistrano. Your last post shows you living in Laguna Niguel. Which is it? Did you move in with the Kerrs, or are you really Jeannie, and not Coni? Hmmm.
Steven, you mentioned something about bashing any volunteers or organizations in public is poor taste. I agree with you, especially if the criticism is unwarranted or untrue, but this is exactly what your friend, Mr. Kerr did and continues to do, whether it is to Homefront or other good folks.
For the record, I love the event. The chili can�t be beaten, not to mention the endless flow of barley juice that the event offers. I know Mr. Kerr can appreciate this benefit. The only difference is that I never get behind the wheel after enjoying the brew.
Lastly I should note that Habitat was also one of the 501c3 sponsoring organizations for the 2007 event as well, but they too withdrew when they learned there were issues.
With respect to Guidestar and Charity Navigator, they strictly report what they receive. They do not review the organization�s financial reports. Guidestar accepts donations like any other nonprofits, and Charity Navigator actually charges nonprofits to rate their organizations. I was shocked when I learn that this was the case. So much for reliable resources.
-
OC Cop 08/27/2008 7:24:00 AM
You should know ...you are cruel and sick Arciaga and you will stop. Now go take you medication and leave the Kerrs alone.
-
Snowballer 2 08/27/2008 6:36:00 AM
This may help to explain why so many former Snowballer supporters have distanced themselves from the Kerrs, and why others are reluctant to purchase a ticket to board Kerr�s latest train ride.
In his quest to garnish support from Rotary clubs, other military nonprofit groups, and private businesses for his Snowball Express 2006, Kerr used the following lines to pitch his organization and to advance his agenda. They include, but not limited to�
o Southwest Airlines� pledge to fly every surviving child and spouse to California from across America, when Southwest only pledged 100 tickets. There were over 900 registrants. The committee learned of this fact three weeks before the event was to take place, and wanted answers, but Kerr refused to provide any. Kerr even showed a rendering of a Southwest plane with the Snowball Express logo on it.
o The idea of Snowball Express came to him after his chance encounter with nine year old Jane, who recently lost her father in the war, but did not know it and was waiting for him to come home and take her to Disneyland. However, when asked about Jane, Kerr would dodge the subject.
o Disneyland�s commitment to sponsor every surviving child and spouse with free admission to the park. This was totally a Kerr fabrication. Disneyland never made such a commitment. With less than two months to go before the event, at the request of Jeannie Kerr, Homefront America submitted the proposal to Disney to secure the tickets.
o Promoting his organization as a 501c3 at the time, when this was not the case. When his advisors asked him to stop promoting this fallacy, he basically told them to mind their own businesses.
When stories broke about his past, he denied them vehemently until he could no longer do so. Rather than admitting to them, he and his wife went on the attack against the very people who helped to support them. They even tried to pit committee members against each other.
His latest claim to fame is that he is the owner of a campaign management company representing national nonprofits with connections to major corporations that support our military.
These facts may or may not change anyone�s perception about the Kerrs, but hopefully it will lend some insight into what really happened from behind the scenes. I pray that the Kerrs will seek council with their myriad of issues, if not for themselves, but for the sake of the children. I can only imagine what it must have been like for her two children to see their mother and step-father getting hauled off to jail � one for driving drunk, the other for obstruction of an Officer.
-
Jeannie Moore Kerr 08/27/2008 6:06:00 AM
Hi Art:
this is Jeannie. I'm sorry with what happened with Operation Homefront. The irrefutable fact is Mamie gave me advise, and I did not take it. I met with a CPA, then I spoke to Legalzoom, and they told me I had 27 months from the date of incorporation to receive our 501c3 designation,and told me we were not a "trust". Ddi they give me good advise, no. Ddi I take the wrong advise, yes. taht is the fact. We did not shun you, and in fact you and Mamie attended our event as our guest for 2 full days.That is the fact.
There is no fact associated with any personal gain whatsoever on the part of my husband, Mike, or me. Your effort to try to shun him from helping the military charilty community is Un-American in my opinion, and I am sure the 900 widows and children military families who were touched by a holiday weekned of joy and appreciation would agree. We gave selflessly to your orgaization too. You know it Art. There was no no self serviing motive whatsoever, aside from the motive we all have which is" it just feels good to give", and when you give, you get the priceless satisfaction of knowing you did the right thing. PERIOD. Mike's dad served in WWII and after he died, Mike wanted to honor him and still does. This is his way. It isn't so mysterious. He wished he would have served. He's not perfect and either are you. Who is perfect?
I propose we all meet for coffee and end this. We can no longer have you attacking and undermining him and I think there are a lot of unnesecary hurt feelings here that need to be mended. I look forward to hearing from you.
.
-
Leslie Taylor 08/27/2008 5:15:00 AM
Coni, (or is it Jeannie, Mike or Angela Starr)?
Art is right, the issue is Mike Kerr so stop clouding it and trying to blame good people who do a great deal to help others and helped you too. For the record, I have never driven drunk and only someone who doesn't think it is wrong would make such a creepy statement.
Nor do I have any tolerance for people who drive drunk especially with young children. These are generally selfish people who don't care about others and in the end leave a string of innocent victims behind because they don't respect themselves or anyone else. Sounds familiar?
-
Art 08/27/2008 4:42:00 AM
OK, everyone�let just all stop and take a time out here.
I am an 81 year old WWII and Korean War Seabee, a member of the America Legions and a VFW life member. I am also a former LAPD Officer, and one of the Founders of Homefront America. Prior to Homefront America, I served as the President of the Orange County Navy League for a number of years. Today, I continue to support the Council�s work. As an old timer, I have no tolerance for this type of nonsense, and this is testing my limits.
So, let us just keep to the facts. Homefront America, the organization did not and is not slamming anyone so let�s just stick with the facts here. Ms. Maywhort merely came out to set the record straight in response to Coni�s post regarding Kerr�s refusal to hire her after being fired from Operation Homefront. As Ms. Maywhort already mentioned, she never applied to work for Kerr or Snowball. And yes, she was fired from her position as Operation Homefront�s Controller in July of 2005 because she refused to look the other way. This is an irrefutable fact.
However, my concern here is not about Operation Homefront, Habitat, Homefront America, Snowball Express, or any other charities. I am only concerned with anyone who uses our Troops or their families for their personal profit or gain.
Now, if any of you have problems with this, you can contact me personally. This blogging or whatever the kids call it these days is not my strong suit. My fingers are not as nimble as they used to be at 17, when I volunteered for WWII.
Now, as a last reminder, please state only the facts. The issue here is Mike Kerr, not anyone else or any other organization(s) that he may have aligned himself with.
Steve, I appreciate your thoughtful comments, and hope you can understand Ms. Maywhort�s position. She spent many hours (and on a couple of nights into the wee hours of the morning) to help the Kerrs in the very beginning, only to be attacked when she advised them to comply with the law. This too cannot be refuted. If you wish to talk, I�m open for a face to face dialog.
Art
-
Coni 08/27/2008 4:26:00 AM
Leslie, I know who you really are! Why do you have to hide behind a fake name? I think you are a coward attacking a good man. Good blinds evil huh? You should talk! How many times have you driven drunk "Leslie" ? And talk about ego...jealous?Look in the mirror! It seems like Kerrs critics are the biggest hypocrits!! Kerr has paid his support since I've known him...and I've known him for at least 2 years. Kerr is the first to admit he made a mistake driving and has taken full responsibilty. Good man. Good leader.
-
Leslie Taylor 08/27/2008 3:25:00 AM
Steven,
You make some valid points. With all due respect, Mike Kerr was bailed out by the hundreds of Rotarians and other organizations including Homefront America who stepped up to the plate in chaos to make Snowball 06 happen.
Mike was all about ego and given his background, reasonable people have better choices. I agree why trust someone who drives drunk with his own young step children in the vehicle, doesn't pay to support his own kids with the children of the fallen? People need to use good judgment instead of becoming caught up in the moment.
-
Steven 08/27/2008 1:54:00 AM
Susie ( or whoever you are?):
This whole exchange is quite interesting.
Question: Why must you and Homefront America have the need to condemn other volunteers or non-profits? It's really in poor form.
The problem is, if your key talented people aren't paid, including Directors of Development and Executive Directors, most charities end up not doing much, in terms of program execution. There is an industry standard to follow which typically requires that the charity keeps its administrative costs below 15% to acheive a high charity rating wiht Guide Star and Charity Navigator. Habitat for Humanity raises Millions of dollars, and without talented paid people, the "big" money just doesn't get raised.The more funds for the program, the bigger the impact you can make, clear and simple.
Most non-profits have paid administrators and it is perfectly legal and in most cases, required. Even Mother Teresa's financial needs were taken care of while doing her important work, and that takes nothing away form her amazing accomplishments.
It's great that you are in a position, as I am, to volunteer your time. However, I could not do the great job that the Executive Director does for Habitat, who has a proven track record to spearhead a successful program that meets the mission and devotes the vast majority of the funds to the program.
Any non-profit should open their books or expose tax returns to any donor, without hesitation. And if a director gets paid $100,000 plus, it usually means that director get results. Most worthwhile Non-profits typically pay much less than the for-profit companies , and employees work much harder for the same money.
I say, pick your cause and charity to stand behind, ask for an accounting and a budget, and then decide if you want to donate or volunteer. I know Mike Kerr and he is dedicated supporter of our Veterans and their families. I will never forget my experience with the Snowball Express, and Mike Kerr and his team of hundreds, delivered everything he said they would, and more.
Mike, if you are reading any of this garbage, don't let the naysayers get you down!!!
Steven, Proud Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
-
Jeannie 08/27/2008 12:01:00 AM
Since when did Michael Arciaga have a sex change and call himself Susie from Redlands?
For the record "Susie", Snowball Express, like Homefront America is and always was a 100% volunteer orgainization and no one has made a dime.
Check the tax returns on-line. In fact we donated over $7500 of our own money after all was said and done, we work very hard and are struggling like most middle class folks.
Susie, please stop lying to the public .Gustavo, you must be enjoying all this ridiculousness!
-
Guest 08/26/2008 9:45:00 PM
I wanted to add to my previous comment I wrote - I mentioned 100% volunteer organizations with integrity intact. There are few, but still exist! Homefront America is one of the few. Mamie and Art put their money into the organization and NOT A PENNY went to themselves - how do I know? Art and I volunteered for Operation Homefront and quit in protest when they start spending money on themselves! Folks, it is true - those charitable organizations officers live much better than me and you, with your hard-earned donated money!
-
Guest 08/26/2008 9:22:00 PM
The real charity is reserve for people and organization who's sole purpose is to help others without reward and payment - Mother Teresa comes to my mind.
Most of the none-profit organizations are "business" using your money paying themselves and cost of running the organizations first. Operation Homefront is an example, so is Habitat for Humanity. CEO's are paid hundreds of thausands ($300,000 range ) of your donated money meant for those "poor people".
I do believe Mike is looking for a free ride - just like many polititian: they can't manage their own affairs and do it right but claim they can manage the organization and free money. I only donate to 100% volunteer organizations.
-
Debbie Gregory 08/26/2008 6:48:00 PM
Jeannie,
It is clear that you and Mike have not taken responsibility for anything. Insead you blame me, and others when the facts come out that interfere with your latest grand plans.
You attempt to turn the tables and make baseless allegations against Homefront America, yours truly and others including trying to pressure retractions behind the scenes.
If it is true that you are not Angie Starr, then who is she and where did she come from?
-
Jeannie Moore Kerr 08/26/2008 9:20:00 AM
Debbie:
We have taken full responsibility and are experiences and made us beter and stronger. You are certainly not perfect but I will not stoop so low as to intentionally or publicly humiliate you.
For the record, I don't use fake names like you do Debbie.
-
Mamie 08/26/2008 7:08:00 AM
Glad you now have your facts straight about Jim. In the future, please do your research before attempting to spin or grossly exaggerate the truth, whether it is about flowers or anything else. Unlike you, before I go public with my comments, you can bank on the fact that I have done my research and can backup everything I say.
The two of you profess that you have �changed,� when in reality you continue to inflict pain and heartache on so many well-meaning people. Jeannie, it really is time for you to do some soul searching, take responsibility for your own actions, and stop blaming everyone else for your problems.
I never intended to post any comments here, but when you and Coni started in on me, I had to set the record straight.
-
Debbie Gregory 08/25/2008 10:38:00 PM
Jeannie & All,
I think that most people can see past your drama and these empty allegations. I did not reveal the facts but had concerns because of the manner in which you and Michael conducted business and yourselves.
The bottom line is that you and Michael are the last people in the world that should be involved with these vulnerable families and the last people they should trust their children's welfare or their finances.
We all remember that Michael had a page on the Snowball Express website about investing the monies of the widows so it would be there for the children. This was one of the issues that I raised questions and I am thankful that it deterred Michael.
Why don't you and Michael take responsibility instead of attacking the people who raised legitimate concerns and bringing in your ex and everyone else to blame?
Jeannie, are you Angie Starr? If not, who really is she?
-
Jeannie 08/25/2008 8:21:00 PM
Debbie:
True you have never met my ex, but I have email exchanges between you and him defaming my Mike and me, and you continue to do so. As God is my witness, you have alienated and hurt a lot of good people and it needs to stop.
Jeannie
-
Debbie Gregory 08/25/2008 7:13:00 PM
I read about Michael�s background just like everyone else did in the newspaper. Of course I was asking questions, no one wanted these families to be disappointed. Michael's biggest priority was how he could get on "OPRAH". I also had widows calling who had not received their travel arrangements or were uncomfortable about signing Michael's "Irrevocable Photographic Release" to attend but did not want to disappoint their children.
Jeannie, you give your ex husband way too much credit. I have I have never ever met your ex husband. You seem to like to spin things a bit. I�m sure you will find a way to blame someone else for allowing Michael to drive drunk with both of your children who you profess to love so much. You are very blessed that no one was hurt that night and they only arrested you and Michael. Why would anyone trust you to help the children of the fallen when you use this type of judgment and cannot take proper care of your own kids?
-
Jeannie Moore Kerr 08/25/2008 8:47:00 AM
Mamie and Art: You are correct about Jim. I thought Trisha brought him since they are in Rotary together. And Mamie, the fact that I received 3 conflicting pieces of advise, yet I chose the wrong advise, was an innocent mistake and is no reflection on you. It's over. And I agree with you and Gustavo. Some of this could have been avoided if I had listened.
Gustavo, now that you know the current facts, it would be great if you could update the public about a warrant that should have been removed in July 2006, had but Mike�s ex-wife reported the support she was receiving through a private agency. Could you report how �J� at Legalzoom.com misinformed me about the Charitable Trust and 501c3 �filing�, and thus I misinformed Mike who was unjustly profiled as a liar?
Everything worked out in the end because we are good people doing good things and our heart is in the right place. We are strong and are faithful we have learned a tremendous amount in the process. The fact that Mike relied on me and my decision, does not make him a liar.
Art, I understand your appreciation for the �law� but I do not know a single human being that has never broken the law, whether they were lucky enough to avoid a speeding ticket or not. I saw an Orange County Sherriff Supervisor on Moulton Pkwy talking on his cell phone while driving last week. Hypocrisy is everywhere. He who has not sinned may cast the first stone.
Let�s move forward and get beyond the past. In as much as I would love to publicly share my whole story at this time, too many people would get hurt by it, including my kids. They have been hurt enough. I am open to having coffee sometime and discuss the TRUTH, no fiction, no spin no quoting unreliable biased sources, no paranoid conjecture. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.
When the 2006 article came out it created a huge frenzy putting everyone involved in a state of paranoia and mistrust. My ex even showed the article to our children.
I knew my ex had gotten to Debbie when started baiting us with highly personal and invasive questions.We suddenly started to receive up to 5 emails a day from Debbie with a litany of personal attacks and inquiries. She began an all out interrogation via email distributing the same emails to our sponsors and volunteers. She attacked Mike's character and demanding that Mike reveal skeletons from his past, expressing �concern� that Mike was going to �exploit � the widows�it was pure fiction and it was INSANE! Debbie became obsessed and could not stop, and the interrogations did not stop with us. She was putting the entire SBE event in jeopardy. With 900 widows and children counting on him to pull off the single biggest charitable gathering of military families since 911, Mike was not going to let the children and widows down, nor was he going to tolerate the abuse. He defended himself and went on the counterattack.
Out of 1000 volunteers, Mike upset 6.Those 6 upset 6 more, and so on and so on. I believe Debbie, Mamie, Art and Gustavo were all cleverly manipulated by my ex and once egos kicked in, the negative spin took a life of its own with those who feed on negativety.
We've moved on. None of us are perfect, we have ALL acted out of character when attacked, and I have a pile of your email correspondence to show for it.
In conclusion, Mike and I forgive you all and we ask that we be forgiven by anyone who got hurt in the crossfire. It was not intentional. If you want to come clean, I welcome the communication. While I hold my ex primarily responsible, I forgive him too. He is still my kids� dad and without him I would not have my 2 wonderful children. I know there is good in all of you and again I request that you not deny my children their personal privacy and our right to support our children and provide a productive decent life. This is after all, our God given right. We will be watching�
Thank you,
Jeannie Moore Kerr
-
Mamie 08/24/2008 11:33:00 AM
1) Mike thought it would be great to use our event to showcase Snowball and to connect with the military community, and we didn't have a problem with that.
2)Art was the one who brought in the auctioneer. He and Jim go back forty plus years.
Thought I would set the record straight.
Jeannie, the bottom line is all this would not have happened if Mike would have been truthful with everyone from the get go. A great many good people got hurt and felt betrayed by him, and in some cases, by you too. Rather than apologizing, he attacks the very people who helped to support him every chance he gets.
-
art 08/24/2008 10:51:00 AM
Dear Jeannie,
I did not want to add to this, but I have to correct you on this one. I was the one who got the auctioneer for the event. Jim and I go back to the mid 1960s, when he was stationed at El Toro while in the USMC. Please stick with the facts.
If you have any questions regarding Operation Homefront, just give me a call. I can tell you more stories than you can shake a stick at. I was there at the time and saw everything that went on. If you need additional sources, just ask.
As a WWII and Korean War Seabee, I take it personally when anyone takes advantage of our Troops or their families. As a former LAPD Officer, I take exception to anyone who breaks the law.
I hope I have made myself clear here. Now, please stop attacking the messenger.
-
Art 08/24/2008 10:45:00 AM
Dear Jeannie,
I did not want to add to this, but I have to correct you on this one. I was the one who got the auctioneer for the event. Jim and I go back to the mid 1960s, when he was stationed at El Toro while in the USMC. Please stick with the facts.
If you have any questions regarding Operation Homefront, just give me a call. I can tell you more stories than you can shake a stick at. I was there at the time and saw everything that went on. If you need additional sources, just ask. As a WWII and Korean War Seabee, I take it personally when anyone takes advantage of our Troops or their families. As a former LAPD Officer, I take exception to anyone who breaks the law.
I hope I have made myself clear here. Now, let's stop attacking the messenger.
-
Jeannie Moore Kerr 08/24/2008 10:12:00 AM
We are grateful to all of you who are supporting our troops and their families and really know and stand behind the truth.
To Mamie, You actually met Coni when she attended your fundraising event that Mike and I helped you with in 2006 (when Art was in the hospital). We brought you volunteer support, an auctioneer, paid for all your flowers, and table clothes, provided donated auction Items for your auction, and we did in fact help you raise about $2000 that day for Jimmy, a severely injured marine. This is a prime example of how facts and information get manipulated and misinterpreted. Another example: Regarding airfare, the fact is that Mike gave you $450 for Jimmy�s airfare. Then almost a year later, rather than contacting Mike again for help, you contacted Roy White, who had nothing to do with Mikes offer from the previous year (from a donor who had offered frequent flyer miles if needed.)
We requested numerous retractions from the media outlets that incorrectly claimed that Mike lied on his resume. I still have the original resume that I personally created for and it was absolutely truthful. Unfortunately Mike�s former employer posted a �bio �about him on the company website and took the liberty to embellish the truth from his same resume, in order to improve their own public image. They only admitted to �minor edits�. Though Mike requested that it be removed from the website, the bio was still accessible and the press had a field day falsely implying that Mike had not been truthful.
As for Gustavo, I think he is a clever and brilliant writer and funny to boot! I have evidence that he is being misled by one bitter jealous ex-husband who has crossed the line. While everyone enjoys reading � dirt�, and sadly, much of the public is ignorant about �media spinning� and actually treat implications, inuendo and opinions as fact.
The �cartoon� implication that Mike has ever stolen from any of his charity endeavors is so far-fetched and absurd even I laughed! We have been exonerated and malicious accusations were proven false. Mike is deeply committed to supporting our military. We believe Good always overcomes Evil. The Snowball Express project was an overwhelming success and continues to grow, thanks to a great group of committed volunteers who were willing to put the cause first. We are very blessed to have served the military families of the fallen, and since we left SBE in 2007 we are proud of the accomplishments of the new regime.
In closing I want to stress the importance of your damaging words and your actions the negative impact it has on our children. We work very hard to support our own children and I am sure none of you thought about our kids before carelessly spewing unjustifiable hostility. For that reason we have stayed away from the press. This bizarre �witch hunt� hurts our children emotionally, while and it negatively affects our ability to support our own family. Your negative comments also hurt the fine companies and organizations we support, not to mention violates of our civil rights and liberties. Our children deserve better and they are the innocent victims here.
Jeannie Moore Kerr
-
Jeannie Moore Kerr 08/24/2008 4:07:00 AM
To all:
We are grateful to all of you who are supporting our troops and their families and really know and stand behind the truth.
To Mamie, please forgive Coni. In her defense, she knows me well and she is very upset by this article. You actually met her when she attended your fundraising event (for Jimmy ) that Mike and I helped you with in 2006 (when Art was in the hospital.). We donated our time, and resources including providing an auctioneer, paid for all your flowers, and table clothes, provided auction Items for your auction, and helped you raise about $2000 that day for Jimmy, a severely injured marine, remember? Coni was not referring to the "In and Out Burger" contribution which was a directed donation to Homefront America for the Snowball Express 2006 project.
This is a prime example of how facts and information get manipulated and misinterpreted. Another example: Regarding airfare, the fact is that Mike raised $250 and gave you $450 to fly Jimmy to a hospital. For some reason you refused to provide Snowball Express with a receipt or donor letter. Then almost a year later, rather than contacting Mike again for help, you contacted Roy White, who had nothing to do with Mikes offer from the previous year (from a donor who had offered frequent flyer miles if needed.) Mamie, you do not �know� Mike at all or you would not have said what you said. I want you to know that we very much appreciated the good things you did. However, your verbal and written attacks on 3 other military organizations and fundraising events hurts you more than them.
Another false implication in the article was that Mike lied on his resume. We requested retractions from the media outlets that printed this info almost 2 years ago.
I wrote his resume and it was absolutely truthful. I still have the original. Unfortunately Mike�s former employer posted a website bio about him on the company website and took the liberty to embellish the truth from the resume and post false information, to look good in the public eye. As soon as Mike learned about the discrepancy, he requested that it immediately be removed or corrected. Unfortunately that did not happen soon enough, and the media had a field day.
As for my ex-husband and child support, well he does not have an easy life and, while I at times get frustrated that he has never provided financially for our kids, he struggles with health issues and I believe he does the best he can. We know of his relationship with Gustavo the writer and they both feed off each other. We also know it next to impossible to get a highly visible retraction once the true facts are presented post publication.
As for Gustavo, he is a brilliant writer and he is funny! I would love to meet him some day. I have evidence that he is being grossly misled while actually creating the very spin he writes about. I am personally known to peruse sensationalized tabloids while in the supermarket line, and even I get a kick out of reading the dirt. But I know better than to actually believe it! Unfortunately, much of the public is ignorant and actually believes everything they read. Take Metrolink for example. The only bad experience Metrolink had was the "employee fear " created by the media that their donations were not tax deductable. Well 100% of Metrolinks employee donations and well as all donations made to SB were indeed 100% tax deductable.
The �cartoon� implication that Mike has ever stolen a penny from any of his charity endeavors could not be further from the truth, while it is so cleverly absurd you gotta laugh! Mike is deeply committed to supporting our military and has great creative vision. He is as talented as he is generous. Sometimes too generous. As you all know, The Snowball Express project was an over- whelming success and continues to grow, thanks to a great group of committed volunteers who were willing to put the cause first. Since we left in 2007, the new regime has done an outstanding job and we could not be more proud.
In closing I want to stress the importance of your words and your actions and how it impacts our children. We work very hard to support our children and I am sure none of you thought about the negative impact you have when you start writing, blogging and spreading negative hearsay about us.. It is sad that so much unfounded hatrad and jealously exsist in our community. Why dig up false minutia and frankly, old news, whcih is intentionally malicious? It sell papers, I guess. Well it also hurts us, our community and our children deeply and It negatively impacts our ability to support our own family. Our children deserve better. So for their sake, please exhibit some self restraint. Our children are the innocent victims here.
Thank you and have a great weekend.
Jeannie Moore Kerr
-
Gustavo Arellano 08/24/2008 3:44:00 AM
Coni: Here are the facts:
*Kerr admitted to owing tens of thousands of dollars in child support when other media organizations asked him about it shortly before the first Snowball Express. Arizona records show he hadn't paid any amount since 2004, and the staggering sum I reported was verified by court records, as was the arrest warrant. That they were resolved at a later time doesn't change Kerr's original gaffes that I reported.
*Kerr admitted to NPR he hadn't filed the proper paperwork with California or the IRS to give the Snowball Express tax-exempt status by the time the events rolled out.
*Your attack of Maywort doesn't change her ignored advice, which would've saved the Kerrs a big headache.
*Do you have a wiretap on me? How do you know how I find my stories? Your speculation about Jeannie Kerr's ex-husband is irrelevant to this story.
*I don't understand where I come into this, so talking about my supposed love of attention can only mean you want some lovin' from me. Ew.
*Finally, one only has to remember Kerr's lies to military bloggers when it came to me to realize the worth of the man. Click here for some fun!
-
Debbie Gregory 08/24/2008 1:26:00 AM
I have had a number of people forward me this article. I am the CEO of MilitaryConnection.com We provided valuable resources to Snowball Express but had doubts after dealing wih Mike Kerr. When I asked some straight questions, Kerr decided to attack the messenger. I do not regret for a moment asking those questions especially in view of what was revealed about Mr. Kerr.
I want to take this opportunity to commend Metrolink. They do a great deal to support members of the Armed Forces and their families. Thank you for all you do. I also believe that Metrolink used outstanding judgment by not becoming involved with Mike Kerr. One only has too look at his background.
There are many awesome groups and organizations that provide much needed support for the men and women who serve our nation and their families. They do not operate to make a living or for glory. MilitaryConnection.com has the honor of working with many of them.
I agree with one of the prior commenters - Mr. Kerr needs to work on himself before he can help others. It was not that long ago that he was arrested . He has also admitted to a drug and alcohol addiction. I do not think he is the right person to be orchestrating grand schemes for millions of dollars to help servicemembers.
I hope that indviduals and corporations will not allow the Mike Kerrs of the world to deter them from helping those who put their lives at risk to protect all of us.
Debbie Gregory, CEO
MilitaryConnection.com
-
snowballer 08/23/2008 4:42:00 AM
Kerr is a fraud, a phony and a fool. F him!
-
Mamie 08/22/2008 11:58:00 PM
Coni,
With all due respect, the $ 2,500 mentioned in your comments, $ 2,000 came from In-N-Out Burgers, which went directly to support the Snowball Express. Like many supporters at the time, they did not want to donate to Snowball directly because the organization was not a 501c3 at the time - even though the Kerrs told everyone it was.
In-N-Out needed a legitimate nonprofit to donate their funds to, and it was at the request of the Kerrs that Homefront America accept the funds on behalf of Snowball. We did not keep one penny of it. We took the funds and turned it directly over to Rotary District 5320. I welcome you to confirm this with Rotary. I should note that many organizations and folks did the same at the time because of the controversy with Kerr.
The remaining $ 450.00 was a result of a promise that Kerr made to an injured Marine, whom at the time was our client. Kerr promised this Marine that whenever he needed assistance with airfare � either for himself or for his family - to fly anywhere in the U.S., he would be able to get Southwest Airlines to step up and help, as a part of Southwest�s commitment to Snowball. Well, we learned later that Southwest Airlines never made such a commitment. No surprise there. So, Kerr had to find the funds to cover part of the airfare, Homefront America picked up the balance.
This being the case, I find it humorous that Kerr said the money was raised for Homefront America.
With respect to Kerr �hiring� me, I never APPLIED for a position with Kerr or the Snowball Express. Honestly, I would like to know how he planned on paying anyone in light of the financial position of the organization at the time. That is the most hilarious read of the century.
On the subject of Operation Homefront, I was with them from May 2004 to July 2005. While performing my accounting functions, I came across transactions that were questionable. I started to ask questions, but was told to either stop obsessing with the issues, or risk losing my job. On the day I left, volunteers left with me.
I hope this helped to clarify any misinformation you may have received. May I suggest that in the future you do some �investigative� work before going public? That would be my recommendation.
I repeat: "Knowing the Mike Kerr that I know, I would not engage in any activity with him. And I would caution anybody that works with him that they need to do their research."
-
Leslie Taylor 08/22/2008 10:48:00 PM
It sure sounds like Mike or his wife Jeannie Kerr wrote the prior comment.
Mamie Maywhort and Art Hasslebrink of Homefront America are the "best of the best". They do not earn one dime and work tirelessly to serve those who serve.
For the record, Kerr had two young children in the car when he was last arrested while on probation for driving drunk. His wife Jeannie was also arrested for interfering with an officer
Kerr who is not supposed to be near alcoholic beverages yet he was in charge of the recent Chili Cook Off with the Swallows Inn in the City of San Juan Capistrano. I heard that for the first time ever that this event did NOT make a penny to donate to military groups or anyone else. Why would anyone involve him in this type of event and while on probation too?
Kerr needs to get his own act together. I think he has found a cause (our military) to try to separate companies from their money. There are many great groups out there with a track record such as Homefront America among many others.
I believe that Kerr is a con man and that anyone who hooks up with him will regret it sooner or later.
-
Coni 08/22/2008 6:14:00 AM
Consider the source. Maywort failed to mention how Kerr bailed her out and helped her raise $2500 for her organization ,which she gladly accepted. Kerr wouldn't hire her after he found out she was fired from Operation Homefront ,so her nose is bent.
Kerr should sue for defamation. He has been paying child support since he moved to OC. His ex-wife failed to report to the State and when that was cleared up the warrant was immediately removed, with a verbal apology from the state.
The Snowball Express 501c3 status was granted and activated as of Sept 2006, prior to receiving any donations. A financial review was conducted and all all standards and practices were followed.
It's only fair to share the facts rather than quoting sources that spin the truth. What do you expect...Gustavo loves the attention and can't resist a little more at Kerr's expense.
BTW, Kerr's current wife is owed by her ex-husband mucho child support($50,000+). I am fairly certain he is trying to bully his way out of paying her, by feeding Gustavo a bunch of "Mierdna".
Thanks for reading,
Coni
