Attorney General's News Release

Dec. 22, 1997

Nixon obtains court order requiring Columbia professional fund-raiser to give refunds

Jefferson City, Mo. — A professional fund-raising business that Attorney General Jay Nixon said misrepresented its connections with Columbia firefighters will give back contributions to those donors who want a refund, as part of a court order issued Friday.

Nixon sued Mario Manzini Productions Inc. in August 1996, alleging its telemarketers falsely told consumers their donations would be used to help local firefighters, area children injured by fires, burn units at area hospitals and local firefighters injured in the line of duty.

"When professional fund-raisers solicit consumers, they must state that they are a professional fund-raiser and explain who they are raising money for," Nixon said. "Where a charity is located or where the money is put to work is important information to those who are solicited for donations. Misrepresentation of those facts is a serious matter."

Nixon said his office will send a letter to people who made a charitable contribution to the Fire Fighters Association of America after being solicited by Manzini. Those consumers will have the option of having their donation refunded.

In addition to the donation refunds, the order from Boone County Circuit Judge Frank Conley requires Mario Manzini Productions to pay penalties and costs totaling $15,000 to the state of Missouri. Telemarketers for the business also will be required to use specific language in their solicitations, identifying the charitable organization they are calling on behalf of and clearly identifying themselves as working for a professional fund-raiser.

Nixon said consumers can make better informed decisions on charitable giving when solicited over the telephone by asking several key questions:

• What company or organization does the caller represent?
• Does the caller work for a professional fund-raiser?
• How will the contribution be spent?
• What percent of the contribution is earmarked for administrative costs?

Professional fund-raisers must file annual reports with the Attorney General's Office, and consumers may find out how much a professional fund-raiser has kept on past campaigns by calling the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Nixon said consumers may also check on a specific charity by calling the National Charities Information Bureau at 212-929-6300.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818