As the saying goes ‘what a difference a day makes’. I have been hearing bits and pieces for several days about the fabled Haleigh Cummings Benefit Concert. The mumblings and rumblings went on for most of last week. I decided to air the subject in yesterdays broadcast.
As if by magic, suddenly there is a lot more information being shared! Funny the way that works….
It was initially billed that all proceeds would go to the Haleighbug center (aka Crystal Shefield), mid stream this claim changed, proceeds were to go to Tim Miller and his Equusearch team.
On yesterdays program Levi Page stated that he had talked with an official of Equusearch, and they had received zero as a result of the concert.
I am a cynical person, so find it very interesting that within hours of our program, more information suddenly appears. TES clearly want to distance themselves from this event. In an entry made today they state:
11/09/09 – There has been much speculation and many rumors concerning the benefit concert for Haleigh Cummings, which took place on October 17, 2009. Texas EquuSearch was to be the beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds raised by the benefit. While the intentions were very good, the benefit did not raise any money that was donated, as evidenced by the letter below.
The phrase that caught my eye was ‘a portion of the proceeds’.
This in itself is contradictory to the online hype that preceded the event. I saw no use of the word ‘portion’, I saw ‘proceeds’, that by my understanding is a way different thing.
So, now we have the letter that TES received, you can read it here, but lets talk about a couple of interesting aspects. One phrase that smells worse than a Camels breath:
The people in attendance were family, friends or VIPS that did not pay any entrance fees or donated any money to the event. There were no sales of any kind.
Well this is rubbish, there were sales! Tickets were sold, people did pay their hard earned money. Some could not attend, but sent the money as a show of good faith. We have heard from at least one very upset person, what happened to her $10 she wants to know?
What happened to this money? Or did it just become part of the deficit that the letter explains:
This is to confirm that the Benefit Concert on October 17, 2009 for Haleigh Cummings in Bastrop Texas, acquired more payables than receivables.
Further research shows that there was no local advertising for the event. No radio, no TV, no nothing. But in attendance apparently were Crystal Shefield, Marie Griffis, and some 10 year old family member Savannah. Seems odd to me that they would make this long journey for no reason, one wonders who paid? It is also rumored that Tim Miller attended the event. That is being reported on the bands web site.
I have no beef with the band, I am sure that they were duped. Austin is a music town, I suspect this was a very poor thought out project by a well meaning band.I am sure that Sam Watkins and his band are well meaning folks, but, they have become yet another victim in this case.
Simon Barrett
(7 votes, average: 3.29 out of 5)
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56 users commented in " Haleigh Cummings – More On The Benefit Concert - And It Aint Pretty! "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackAs i said on the last thread. I think y’alls money went to pay for or rent their strobe lights behind them on stage. They probably now have brand new free stage equipment from your generous donations.
Why is this crap even being talked about?.WHO CARES where the money is going,or what they are doing with it.All that should matter is HALEIGH and WHERE SHE’S AT.I’m sick of this BS if anyone has ever noticed everytime there is a missing child that family makes money this isn’t a shocker at least not to me.The Anthony’s did it,Ron has done it Crystal has done it RON IS NOT FATHET OF THE FLIPPIN YEAR!!!!.Ron nor Crystal are good parents so if anyone is going to trash talk Crystal and her family,do it on Ron and his family too.ALL OF THEM ARE TRASH!!!.
If you signed a $100 check to pay for Haleigh’s search and it went nowhere I’m sure you’d wonder too. Simon writes many book reveiws which I care not to read but I don’t go on that thread telling those people to shut up about their book review and call it BS to them. There are many threads to choose from so for those who do not wish to discuss the topic I suggest you go to a different thread about the acyual search or relax and read one of Simons book or music reviews !!
It’s a shame they did not advertise. I’ve been following this story since the beginning. I don’t have money, am a full-time student, mother of a 6 yr-old girl and 3 yr-old boy, but yet I still want to help. Unfortunately Florida is a long ways away from where I live, which is Austin, Texas. I’m betting that I’m not the only one who would have attended the concert in this area if they would have let people know. With all of the news coverage about the he said/she said drama, you would think they could get the word out about the benefit concert. But alas, common sense does not dictate this case.
Poor Haleigh. Come home soon, kiddo.
Why not ask the source or Tim Miller if he was in fact there.
Simon- The answers seemed to star poping up after you started asking questions funny how that works sometimes.
So as a ‘press type’ I would think you would want to contact Tim and see if he was there and get his take on it instead of just speculating and going from internet rumors.
If you want to post the facts get them if not you do at least say what you are posting is unfouned which alot do not.
Star Bright… unfortunately money and greed are behind most murders and kidnappings. I’m glad Simon keeps us informed on EVERY aspect of this case. Maybe you’re just hoping to read that fantasy post that will solve the case. If you don’t want to know about this disturbing and important information go find another website. Thanks Simon for all your hard work!!
will misty donate her magazine money?
Partebab said,in November 9th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
2shay, tell em! Simon does work hard for us all. Then he catches Hell for the effort….hum, that sounds fair…not! Glad to see some do care, just wish the inlaws of the lost ones did too! But they are too busy playing outlaws.
For Immediate Release
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HALEIGH CUMMINGS, THE FACTS!
The “Haleigh Benefit Concert” for Haleigh Cummings was held on October 17, 2009 at The OO Ranch. In attendance were Marie Griffis, Crystal Sheffield, Marie’s daughter Savannah and two close family friends (names withheld because of threats they have received). Tim Miller of Texas Equusearch also attended. Sam Watkins Country became friends with Marie and Crystal as well as Haleigh Cummings “advocates” through MySpace and followed the story for several months. Marie told Sam that she loved his music and that is how the “Haleigh Benefit Concert” came into being. Our position is this: “We put this together for one person and that person is Haleigh Cummings. We are not concerned with ‘he said, she said’. This is about closure for both sides of the family, not about ‘crying for the camera’ and trying to attain fame through tabloid news shows! This is about Haleigh Cummings, 6 years old, missing, who desperately needs to be found and whose family, ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’, need closure!!”
There were a tremendous amount of obstacles involved in putting the benefit concert together. When it was mentioned that all proceeds would go to the “Haleigh Bug Foundation”, we received many emails saying that they would not attend because the foundation was a scam. So it was decided by a spokesperson for Marie to send half the proceeds to Texas Equusearch (for the search and possible rescue) and the other half to the Justice Coalition (for the reward), to avoid problems of where the money was going. Only two tickets were sold through Eventful.com the money is still there, we have dated receipts for everything. All the bands were allowed to sell CD’s and merchandise and 10% was to be donated to the benefit, nothing was sold. There were a tremendous amount of nasty emails and messages about the family and so we felt it was best not to release the location at the beginning. We were told that Marie’s family received threats and so there stay in Austin was undisclosed, for their own protection. Once we were sure they would be safe and that security would be in place at the benefit concert, it was decided that we could release the location. Putting the whole thing together was a nightmare! People were unwilling to donate, so we had to conduct advertising trades for lighting, sound, food, etc. Sam had to build the stage himself. People were still reluctant, so we had to pay for a lot of it ourselves. Needless to say we lost a lot of money. We got hundreds of emails daily saying what a wonderful thing we were doing and how they wanted to attend. Yet no one was buying tickets. Even Sam’s fans were saying they would be there but would not buy tickets ahead of time because of the controversy of the case. Bands, vendors, donors were all canceling on us constantly. At the last minute, we got The Andrew Jennings Band, Fond Kiser, and T.R. Anthony. The Ranch owner blew some electrical circuits because of all the lighting and sound equipment, which was provided by WCI Entertainment. However because of the circuit problems the entire ranch was very low lit, we were not able to use the lighting or sound equipment planned. The ranch is 20 miles outside of Austin and very hard to find with poor lighting, so that was another reason for the poor attendance. Tim Miller arrived around 7:00 pm while it was still light outside; the family arrived before the concert started. All of Sam’s fans wanted to see videos of him and his band performing, so we posted some on YouTube for them to see. Our videographer went out of town and said he would post more of the video (including audience shots) when he got back. He should be back soon. The other performers were given their portion of the videos since they did not sell anything. When we realized the attendance would be low, we made a lot of last minute changes. Because of sound and lighting problems we were not able to record the audience when Sam Watkins and Fate Train (the headliners of the benefit) performed, only the stage had lighting and sound. Yes, the location was a Ranch. There were several reasons for that; one was because of safety issues. We felt we would have more control out there than anywhere else. Being a small town, the sheriff’s office knows everyone in the area; the budget was non existent and had to come out of our pockets and it’s a huge ranch with lots of space and very beautiful. The press release we sent was published in The Texas Express in the Bastrop/Austin area and in American Classifieds in San Antonio. As far as we know, they were the only ones that published it. A major obstacle was the Texas/Oklahoma game, which is one of the biggest games of the season around the area. We were told by hundreds that they would attend after the game. Now we often receive calls and emails from people apologizing for not attending for various reasons: they drank too much at the game, they got lost and could not find the ranch, they were afraid to attend because of safety issues, etc. We held the benefit in Texas because most of Sam’s fans live in Texas and it would be easier to coordinate here; the family did not have the time or experience to put the event together. We cancelled all our gigs for two months. However, some great things did come out of it. Tim Miller got to meet Crystal and Marie and they talked for hours and made plans for the search and we got some videos for Sam’s press kit. Does that make us ‘glory hogs’? No. What it does is promote Sam to a higher level where more people know us and our work with missing children and, yes, more fans! The more fans Sam has, the more awareness we build and the more families we can help. We are in the music industry and promoting Sam’s music is what we do. The song “Baby Girl” is about one of our staff members search for her missing daughter. The song is to be posted when the videographer comes back along with the shots of behind the scenes. Why did we do it even though there were so many obstacles and loss on our part? The answer is simple. With over 800,000 children missing yearly, we felt that if we could be a part of helping to find Haleigh we could raise awareness and get involved in an issue that we feel has gone under the bridge for too long. Yes, many of them are found safely. What about the others? Kids wind up missing, abused and neglected constantly, yet people prefer to turn a blind eye. They want to focus on less important news because it’s just too much to deal with. Or they focus on tabloid news stories while people like Phillip Garrido get away with murder! Our feeling is that if we can open their eyes then we could really help the ones that are still out there and bring closure to those families as well. Why does it mean so much to us? Because our company has various staff members that have had missing children or have been affected in one way or another by a child’s disappearance. We know the pain and the desperation of not having the help and resources necessary to deal with the worst thing that can happen to a family! As a Company, we have spent three years speaking to people throughout the country that have missing children, as individuals it has been longer than that. All we have done is guide people to the resources needed and listen to them when they needed someone to listen. We finally had a chance to really do something about it, but with all the blogging and negativity that this case has received our mission was a lost cause from the very beginning. But, as with all things, some good did come out of it and we met a lot of great people and made some strong friendships! We will continue to pray and help when needed to find Haleigh as well as any other missing child who need our support. Our number has never been disconnected and continues to be 877-726-1792 and our email is info@samwatkinscountry.com. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you bought a ticket and did not attend the benefit please email us a copy of it so we can refund your money, eventful.com has two tickets sold. Everyone that attended has a ticket stub (VIPS, Friends and Family) if you are saying you attended, please email us a copy of that ticket stub. We made sure everything could be proved! If you sent any money to the foundation for tickets please deal with them directly, we have nothing to do with any donations sent to them. Thanks and God Bless!
well i am a dissenter this time. to this and the previous article simon.
i respect your opinion, and i am glad to be able to read it. i do think about what you say. but, i am bothered by the not checking with the people involved. it would just be a phone call to crystal, marie, tim miller, sam watkins and or one of the other band members. if they would not give you info then you could tell us that.
when i looked up the event i did realize it was not being promoted, so i knew it would not be raising much money. what a shame! i also heard the negativity and questions about the event. i understand the questions, based on previous issues. but, if this was originally done with good intentions, and crystal and marie stopped trying to make it a success (promoting the benefit) due to criticisms without facts being put out there, that is a shame!
i was still hoping something good would come from this benefit. maybe the band was doing their best to help haleigh’s cause. i did hope enough money would be raised to cover their expenses and that haleigh’s name and face would be out there in the news.
did crystal and marie mess up or deliberately run a scam? well ask some information, first. i heard jan ask some good questions about the benefit. but, why did no one ask those questions to someone involved. if something is fishy i hope they get caught and someone reports them! but, if they messed up, i hope we can do something better than rub their noses in it. at least talk about it constructively.
i guess what i am really upset about is i got the feeling from reading some of the posts on this subject, if crystal or ron were trying to doing something good, a legitimate benefit, some would just want the benefit to fail based on personal feelings for the parents. i still have questions myself about what happened. and i am not saying it is wrong to talk about it. but, i thought some attempt to find out what happened directly from those that know would be important. because, if it was legit and had been mored successful, would it help haleigh is the real issue.
YA KNOW I DON’T SEE WHAT THIS HAS TO DO WITH FINDIN HALEIGH.YES IT MAKES GOOD FOR HITS. MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON. ALOT ABOUT THIS CASE AND ONES INVOLVED PISSES ME OFF BUT DEEP DOWN UNDER IT MAKES ME SAD.IT’S PAINFUL TO LOSE A CHILD BUT I’M SURE EVEN MORE PAINFUL TO LOSE A CHILD AND NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPEND,IF SHE’S DEAD OR ALIVE,BEING MISTREATED,AND IF SHE IS DEAD YOU CAN’T VISIT HER GRAVE.NO ONE CAN IMAGINE THE PAIN OF NOT KNOWING,AND ON TOP OF IT ALL EVERYTHING YOU DO IS SCRUTINIZED,QUESTIONED,AND PUT DOWN.SURE CRYSTAL MADE MISTAKES AS A PARENT,AND WE ALL HAVE.I KNOW THAT DOESN’T MAKE HER PAIN ANY LESS.I HAVE MADE MORE MISTAKES THAN I CAN COUNT AS A MOTHER BUT A MOTHERS LOVE IS LIKE NO OTHER.AS FOR THE CONCERT TALKING ABOUT IT TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING OUTA NOTHING ONLY ADDS TO THE CIRCUS AND ONLY ADDS PAIN TO THOSE THAT ARE REALLY IN PAIN,AND MISSING HALEIGH.B4 THESE STORIES ARE POSTED/WRITTEN WHY NOT ASK YOURSELVES HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT HALEIGH AND THOSE THAT LOVE HER,WHO WILL THIS HURT,IS IT TRUE,DOES IT EVEN MATTER,AND HOW WOULD I FEEL IF THIS WERE MY CHILD AND THIS WERE BEING SAID ABOUT ME?…IN THIS MEDIA CIRCUS DESPARATE PPL DO DESPARATE THINGS.. IT’S JUST SAD
This is truly one of the saddest situations I have ever seen in my life! So many people have extended their hearts, their time, have spent hours or months searching on foot, have printed and put up posters, emailed friends around the world, sent money and bought novelty items, donated school supplies, sent up birthday balloons, conducted weekly radio shows and daily news updates, conducted hours of research for search efforts, sent messages of hope and encouragement to the family members, Designed beautiful web pages, made special videos, signed petitions and wrote letters of concern to all levels of Florida government officials. Some have even written songs and gave a special performance. Many have and continue to keep HaLeigh and other missing children and their families, in their daily prayers, and forever in their hearts. Each and every person that has given so much of themselves, expecting nothing in return, are the true Hero’s of Haleigh, not forgetting to mention other missing children. The real Hero’s, represent the soldier, fighting for truth and justice, they are the voice for children, victims of circumstance…they are not loosers nor quiters, they are a powerful group of people who will continue on until the search is completed. My hats off to each and every Hero!!!! Thanks for all you have given, in search for Haleigh! Your efforts have not gone unoticed, nor have they been in vain.
For immediate release….
Did Hobbit55 write that BS? What a total farce. Stop the madness!
Fame Whoring should be a crime.
Its time(pass time) for the precious little girl to come home. We all need to be close as in friends here and ban together and do something good to help bring her home. Its all about Haleigh Marie Cummings and not anyone else. The LE will handle them. So let try harder to so research and find her. Theres something we all have missed along this line of putting this puzzle together. I am not afraid to take a chance for a child. I got to know that I have done my best to bring one home and thats what I am gona do and I need everyones help here in the name of Haleigh.
“HERE’S A RELIABLE SOURCE”, thank you for the information. Haleigh, wherever you are, I pray that you are safe. Simon, thank you & Jan for what you are doing to keep Haleigh’s name out there.
Simon it looks like the letter you linked to has been removed.
mel22, seems you have a vague opinion and indirect hits on topics.. whereas the truth apparently is being overlooked or brushed to the side.. Truth be known.. Simon is right on the money and I have a feeling you know it!
The concert has been a questionable thing for sometime, when a letter was dispatched to the Watkins group asking about the concert and the donations, they flipped it right back to “Ask the Haleighbug Foundation”, seems that answers were going to be vague from the get go. First, a flippen comments from Crystal claimed 0.00 to 5.00 and then it changed to 5,000.00, was there any money in donations received.. And why since this is a Tax-exempt Foundation to begin with that is to only survive under the Mandates other Foundations survive, the info is suppose to be open to the public. This without having to filter through all of the he said, she said layers.. One comment that came flying back fromt President of the Haleighbug Foundation, “The Foundation is not under Investigation”, Okay, but maybe it should be!!!
I think one very important element, these donations.. no matter who they were ear marked for in this ad or that ad. Were stipulated as “To Bring Haleigh Home”. My question What are they doing to bring Haleigh Home? Or When can She Come Home?
Maybe, those who wish to jump up and down and fuss and cuss, because these issues are coming to light, instead of fussing at the Delivery, start fussing and cussing at those who hide the truth behind them.. Put your Loyality where it belongs.. With Haleigh!!!
lostnthemiddle said,in November 10th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Simon it looks like the letter you linked to has been removed.
The letter is still there-the link worked for me.
http://texasequusearch.org/2009/11/101709-benefit-concert-for-haleigh-cummings/
It looks as if Sam Watkins Country makes a habit of trying to build a name on the backs of missing children and their grieving families.
Take a look at this. I’d like to know why they choose to try to profit from missing children and take advantage of their families.
Quote from: cookie on November 09, 2009, 09:50:24 AM
Quote from: klaasend on November 09, 2009, 09:46:49 AM
Quote from: cookie on November 09, 2009, 09:37:53 AM
Maybe the band felt that they were doing a good thing by trying to raise money for Haleigh and were not doing it to get a name for them selves….maybe Marie and Crystal knew of this band and asked them to do the benefit? I don’t think that it is anyone’s fault that the whole concert was a bust except for the people that I mentioned above in my rant….and again, Haleigh suffers….
why didn’t Ron and his family attend the concert instead of going to watch a stripper pole dance if that is the truth? do they have strip joints in Satsuma or did he have to travel out of town to find this one?
all of these people in Haleigh’s life who aren’t working need to get jobs!!!! jmo
This band has attempted to receive funds for OTHER missing persons cases PRIOR to Haleigh. My bet is the band IS doing a good thing for BOTH the missing persons cases and ALSO FOR THEMSELVES. They are riding the missing child publicity bandwagon, IMO. Not unlike Nancy Grace.
wonder if their other attempts have been more successful….
http://www.myspace.com/austinvisitorcenter
Sam Watkins
Apr 24 2009 7:24 PM
Hello! Hope this message finds you well.
As always, I love your messages, feedback and comments so keep them coming and let me know how you are doing!
I’m writing ,of course, in the spirit of keeping in touch but also about an urgent endeavor I need your help with. As you may know, I help families with Missing Children in every way that I and my staff are able. What I’m asking is quite simple and very important for the Children.
I would like your permission to post this on your comments and am asking for your to send it to as many people as possible:
Help Us Find Bianca Lozano and Bring Her Home!!!!!
You can do your part to help in our search!
We at Sam Watkins Country are actively involved in uniting families with their loved ones. You can help by helping us to distribute their pictures on our website and in our news letter.
All it takes is $2.
00 and you’ll have an opportunity to be a part of an urgent endeavor!
You will then receive our newsletter via email.
That’s all it takes!
You will be doing the most important and rewarding thing you can do to aide in our search.
Together we can bring our children home!!
All you have to do is send $2.
00 check,
money order or cashiers check along with your email address to:
Sam Watkins Country
3616 Far West Blvd.
Suit 117-323
Austin, Texas 78731
YOU WILL RECEIVE A RECEIPT VIA EMAIL
800,000 children turn up missing every year, many are still out there!!!
Let’s bring our children home where they belong!!!
Missing: Bianca Lozano
Let’s Help Her Mother Bring Her Home!
Special Performance by Sam Watkins at her Barbeque Benefit on
May 16, 2009
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Epiphany Lutheran Church
5515 West Broadway
Pearland, Texas 77581
281-483-7833
Complete details at:
http://www.samwatkinscountry.com http://www.myspace.com/samwatkinsrocks
http://www.myspace.com/samwatkinscountry
Thanks and God Bless!
Sam Watkins Country
Sam Watkins - Owner/Featured Artist
Tina
The Haleigh benefit concert was planned only a couple of months after Haleigh disappeared. It is disgusting to me that these people- Sam Watkins Country preyed upon a family in distress. They have done more damage than good.
Look what is happening to Haleigh’s name. It is now tied in with drugs, sex, scams, and scandal.
Who’s fault is that? More than the persons who were responsible for Haleigh’s safety, it is the fault of all of these people on the internet who have injected themselves into this case but for all the wrong reasons.
People should ask themselves if they doing this to find Haleigh or to make a name for themselves, get ratings for their show, hits for their website or make a few bucks.
I am sickened by what many people have done in the name of Haleigh Cummings.
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” I agree! We all need to support one another and work towards finding this little angel. There is power in numbers. If we work together as a team, giving each other support and encouragement along the way, the search for Haleigh will be more successful. Let us, as adults, join hands, combine forces and by the grace of God, find HaLeigh and help bring this child home. Lord knows there are many other missing children that need to be found, as well. Let us, as adults, set good examples, for every child to follow. Lord knows they need it! I for one am going to try harder, and I am willing and ready, to do whatever I can to help, but I am not a good leader. We need the good leaders that have become a voice for HaLeigh, to stand together, organize, give guidance, and instruct the other team members on what to do. We need a show of hands, so to speak on who the team members are. I have an idea, we are a rather large group, but some have been misplaced, some where along the way. Now how on earth are we ever going to help find missing children, if we ourselves are lost? Just where are our leaders and the rest of the gang?
Mlee, I agree with your post as well. In my opinion the band did not have much of a chance in raising money to help fund searches of any kind. There was not much publicity for the concert and in my opinion, was more for selected family members than for HaLeigh, or any other child for that matter.
Hi, Pinkey!
I am sorry you are so upset that others want to look at the money angle. You’re right. It may have nothing to do with finding Haleigh.
But there is another very very important reason to do this - an issue that needs to be addressed that could possibly even prevent another child from disappearing.And that is the money!
If we don’t demand an accounting by everyone who accepts donations, then some evil person out there could say, “Hey! I could make a lot of money if I disappeared that annoying step-kid/whatever. And nobody’s even going to ask any questions!” Or maybe another evil person will say “Hey! Great way to launder some dirty money I have.”
Now I am not accusing anyone in Haleigh’s family of doing this. I am saying that just like LE has to ask hard questions of grieving family members as they search for Haleigh, we also have to ask hard questions about the money.
Even if all of us agreed 100% that no family member had anything to do with Haleigh’s disappearnce we would still have to ask them to account for any donations they collected. We can’t decide to give anyone a free pass. So that anyone even thinking about committing fraud will think twice about it - knowing they will be asked.
Unfortunately the money grubbing grandparents of Caylee Anthony have already set the world’s worst example of despicable greed - making money off the blood of a child - with the Foundation they used Caylee’s “memorial” to promote. Look at them on cruises now! With money probably from selling photos of Caylee and from them being interviewed and book deals and maybe that foundation too.
I don’t want that example plus our unwillingness to ask questions - even out of kindness - to contribute to fraud or worse - the fate of another child.
We HAVE TO hold people accountable for the money they collect in Haleigh’s name - no matter who they are or as unpleasant as it is. Otherwise I don’t think we are doing all we can to prevent Haleigh and other children from being used like poor Caylee is or perhaps harmed for profit.
What I donated might have gone to the cost of, More than 4 plane ticket, 4 days, and nights stay in the best hotel and lobster dinners every night. And a New Car!!
But the price to find Haleigh PRICELESS.
Whatever brings attention and focus her way is allright. And if there is anything shady going on with the money being donated to aid in her search then I think its fair to uncover that. Many people sit here and there day in and day out pining for Haleigh. We have the right to know.
I don’t fault the band for wanting to help.The money trail for the families should be looked however.
oops, “looked at”
Case Closed - I’ve been trying to get in touch with you! Sent you an email earlier this week. Hit me back when you can. Thanks!!
caseclosed@bellsouth.net
Can anyone verify if RC is really dating a stripper and did he know her before HaLeigh went missing?The world around those places,especially in Florida,well you know what it is.There’s so much rumor,I can’t tell what’s true and what isn’t,but besides being disgusted right now,I’d like to know if it’s true.And why his family would be happy about an exotic dancer around a little boy,escapes me.But before I try to fathom this,I’d like to know if it’s true.Has he actually been seen with someone like this and how would he meet her?This is why I was wondering if he already knew her,if he does.Anyone?
Who cares if he’s dating her?
WilMic said,
in November 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Why not ask the source or Tim Miller if he was in fact there.
=============
Oh, he was there alright. I saw a picture of him standing in between Crystal and Marie in front of the stage.
Vaquera said,
in November 10th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Oh, he was there alright. I saw a picture of him standing in between Crystal and Marie in front of the stage.
=============
I think they brought him a brand new HaLeigh shirt to wear. He had on the same one as Crystal.
Tim Miller was definitely there.
I’m a little curious about these “threats” alleged in that letter. Since when has anyone in Sheffield/Griffis family and/or their friends been receiving threats?
Lawshrink said,
in November 10th, 2009 at 10:18 am
What I donated might have gone to the cost of, More than 4 plane ticket, 4 days, and nights stay in the best hotel and lobster dinners every night. And a New Car!!
But the price to find Haleigh PRICELESS.
+++++++++++
A new car?
Who cares?People care who’s raising Jr,the last thing he needs to be around is a stripper,he needs a mother.So,you’re saying,the new gf is a stripper?And that’s okay?And who cares if Tim Miller was at a concert for a missing child?He searches for missing kids,the concert was in Texas and that is where Tim is,hello?People are worried if Tim was at a concert for missing kids,but not worried that Jr needs a mother that’s not a stripper?Has it been verified she’s a stripper,or is it another rumor?
So this band wants people to send them $2,for what?Come on,are people so gullible?
WinterRose you are the only person I’ve ever heard even ask about a supposed new gf or mention what she might do for a living. All curious said was “Who cares?
Obviously we don’t know. Continuing to repeat it just makes a rumor grow. Until we hear from a credible source (like TJ or msm or maybe LE) I’m not going to even talk about it. There is nothing to talk about.
truthandjustice - Where did you find that letter supposedly from Sam Watkins? It could be trumped up.
If it’s not trumped up then, yes, I think someone else is jumping on the Haleigh gravy train. Disgusting. It does not take $2 to put a child’s picture on a website or in an existing newsletter (what’s that about anyway)?
Please let me know if this is legit or not or how to find out?
This info of Ron & his new stripper goes right there with Misty & her modeling job both bs rumors. Surely we have more to talk about that this trash. This blog is sounding more & more like a tabloid everyday.
This is the link for the Missing Children Newsletter for $2.00.
http://comment.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewComments&friendID=398663429
It also looks like he had a previous Missing Child’s Benefit that was cancelled by the child’s family.
This post is from Sam Watkins Country MySpace Page.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendId=264733791&page=4
Friday, May 29, 2009
Biancas Benefit Cancelled
After working over 1000 man hours by The Sam Watkins Country staff, volunteers, musicians, etc… We received this email from the mother of Bianca Lozano (to those of you that are concerned and have questions we can’t answer any of your questions because our calls and emails were not returned and we have no answers except for this email that we receive today only a few days from the event. There was no apology or other contact).
“Subject: benefit From: Deana Hebert) Date: Tue, May 26, 20098:57 pm To: Tina, Sam, Denna, and Vernon. I would like to take your offer to cancel the event. I’m emotionally not up to it at this time, it’ just too much. My family is worried about my well-being and thinks its best. Thank You, Deana Hebert”
The benefit for Bianca has been cancelled. If you wish to send any donations we suggest sending to a legitimate organization such as National Center for Missing Children, do your research! .
To all those that were planning to attend, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Some of your stories of sacrifice to attend are in our hearts and wish we could do things differently and meet every single one of you great people. We are sorry for the way things were handled only a few days from the event. However, we have made many contacts and friends and promise to keep you posted on our mission.
To members of the press, Sam will still be available for any events and/or interviews. We can be reached at: 512-662-3761. Thank you for all your support and kindness. Those of you planning on attending we appreciate your scheduling us in and your enthusiasm.
Again, we apologize for such short notice and appreciate the stories, comments and sacrifice you were all doing to make this event a success.
We also apologize to the staff of Sam Watkins Country and their families. You worked 24/7 on this. We appreciate every effort you made and the sacrifices you made. Please tell your families thank you, we are sorry and we appreciate them as well. They did without you; while you worked 20 hours a day with us, thank them for being such great sports through all this. To Gatling and Hoffpauir and all the other musicians you put in so many hours of practice, we are so sorry for that and all the expenses you incurred. We will find a way to make it up to you.
To all of you that were planning to volunteer and have taken time out of your daily lives to volunteer, there are no words. Everyone put hundreds of hours on this event and we are truly sorry for everything. Please, keep the faith and don’t give up on us. We promise you won’t be disappointed. We will keep making that beautiful music. Please continue what you started with us and assist any missing children organizations in your area, they need our help! Go through an organization not an individual.
To all the owners of the gigs we cancelled, we apologize. We were working 24/7 on this benefit and had no time for anything else, but we are available now. Sam Watkins and Fate Train are better than ever and are ready to go on the road! Gatling and Hoffpauir are amazing and are also ready to tour the world!
And to any people we may have missed in this letter, we apologize to you as well.
Deana Hebert and her daughter will remain in our thoughts and prayers, as will all of you.
(As Always) Thanks and God Bless!
Sam Watkins Country
Sincerely,
SAM WATKINS COUNTRY
I agree, jb
Simon,
Why do you think the band was duped? I’m just thinking that they went into the situation with their eyes wide opened. And if they are “professional” and trying to further their career, they surely know about advertising.
This one my friend, is on them all.
Thanks letter
Your link worked fine, but for some reason the link in the article is still giving me this:
Error 404 - Page not found!
Good Morning Everyone
Instead of all the time, energy, thought, and blog space being dedicated to speculation and criticism, why not turn negative to positive. Brainstorm ways to help Haleigh find justice and other children who are missing too. It is amazing how rewarding it is to know you tried to do a good thing, even if you fail. With enough effort to do a good thing, eventually something/someone will work.
Well said Southern Belle!!
Ya Winter, who cares?
Are you seriously taking Art’s rumors and gossip as gospel?
And somehow deciding some imaginary person is a bad person based on their job??
I couldn’t care less if Tim was at the concert.
Myself, I HOPE Ron is dating someone, even and maybe especially a stripper. I have said in the past that all we need is for Ron to “move on” for this thing to all come unraveled. Once Misty sees that he was using her all along, she might just come clean about everything she really does know. We can only hope. I’m going to investigate this rumor further.
Any word yet on Somer’s murderer? I’m hoping the DNA they were able to retrieve will pinpoint her assailant. I’m also looking into where this investigation is at this time.
I recently have had a job offer from a NPO to help organize and run a food bank, in my county. I later declined the offer when the President decided not to open a food bank, but a voucher system instead. Just my personal choice. Anyway, I did learn a lot about NPOs and thier tax exampt status and how one can loose thier tax free status. Rule #1. No member of the board or employee of said NPO may profit by cash, goods, or services in any way. The entirety of the funds raised MUST be alotted to the operation of the NPO ONLY! If a NPO has board members or employees who have been paid more money than the specified salary within thier yearly budget they can loose thier tax exempt status. Typically board members are volunteers within the community who have the ability to steer the NPO with thier real-life skills such as bankers, lawyers, PhDs, ect. Then there are approx 5 paid employees (usually) 2 full time and maybe 3 part-time. Unless they are a large organization. Any organization with tax free status MUST open thier books for the public to see. #2 way to loose exempt status, no open records. If the paid employees are given $1.00 more than thier specified salary in cash, goods, or services, they are in violation of Federal tax laws. There are variations depending upon the structure of the NPO (Incorporated, or Unincoprorated Association) However, IF you donated anything o a NPO, you have the right to ask exactly where that money went. PERIOD!
HollysGmom: Great info! Thank you! Can you also find out how we can insist that some supposedly NPO organizations’ books be opened and checked?
I’ve got a list of ones I’d like checked out (some relating to the Caylee Anthony case) but have not been able to find out any info on line about them.
I will look into it and report my findings M2C.
Discusses inspection of records by members.
Membership is defined in the acticles of incoprpration or bylaws of an organization.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0617/SEC1602.HTM&Title=->2006->Ch0617->Section%201602#0617.1602
Discusses inspection of records by members:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0617/Sec1601.HTM
Discusses 617.1601 Corporate Records (defined)
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96102,00.html
http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html
Discusses income not to be dispersed to any private shareholder or individual.
How frequently have you seen it publicized that 100% of proceeds would go directly to a not-for-profit? Rarely, if ever.
*****Any contradictory examples are welcome and encouraged.*****
The concert was an ill-conceived idea from the beginning, but your reference to the phrase “a portion of the proceeds” is ridiculous. Furthermore, as a financial advisor I would certainly hope that the event garnered more receipts than payables regardless of where any excess monies ended.
If the Haleigh Cummings case is so cold that it requires you to create a stir about such non-issues then perhaps you should consider changing your topic, Mr. Barrett.
HollyG’s Mom - I hope that the not-for-profit corporation you interviewed with reconsiders you as a candidate for a position with their agency until you review and understand the statutes regarding the examination of their financial records.
The donor has the option of not contributing if they are not satisfied with the organization’s accounting for their receipts and expenditures.
The donor does not otherwise have any right to see the organization’s financial records.
I can’t believe Ron’s new fling is a stripper, don’t strippers have to be 18?
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