Florida: Melania Trump Event That Costs up to $50,000 per Ticket Under Investigation, Ex-First Lady Slams 'Dishonest Reporting'
A charity event featuring Melania Trump, the wife of former President Donald Trump, is currently being investigated after organizers promised proceeds to a charity that does not seem to exist.
The former first lady is scheduled to appear at an "exclusive high tea" event on April 9 in Naples, Florida. Organizers noted that the event will benefit "Fostering the Future, a Be Best initiative." The charity gives charity computer science scholarships to those aging out of the foster care system, according to Business Insider.
Regular tickets cost $3,000, while limited VIP tickets amount to $50,000. However, it is not known what percentage of the ticket proceeds will be given to charity.
Melania's "high tea" event is being organized by Whip Fundraising, which previously organized other events for the Trump family, including the former president's Christmas party in Naples, Florida. Trump's Christmas party charged $10,000 per ticket at the time.
Melania Trump's Event in Florida
Florida requires any organization that raises charitable contributions in the state to register. However, according to The New York Times, no charity with the name "Fostering the Future" or "Be Best" can be seen to be registered in Florida.
Erin M. Moffet, an agency spokeswoman, said in a statement that the Consumer Services Division is currently probing whether Melania Trump's event is operating in violation of Chapter 496, Florida Statutes. Moffet was referring to the state law requiring charities to register before soliciting proceeds.
Melania did not address the questions directly. However, she tweeted about the reports on the event. In her tweet, Melania described the reporting as "dishonest." She also said everything had been done "lawfully," adding that all documents are in the works.
Dishonest reporting at it again. Everything has been done lawfully, & all documents are in the works. Read with caution-typical corrupt media.
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) February 12, 2022
We are working w/Bradley Impact Fund, a Donor-Advised Fund, to select charities that will receive the donations to foster children. https://t.co/5ZKr5SwIZz
The former first lady said they are working with the Bradley Impact Fund, "a donor-advised fund, to select charities that will receive donations to foster children."
According to Huff Post, the Bradley Impact Fund has been connected to organizations pushing Trump's lies that the 2020 presidential election he lost was rigged.
Donald Trump's Christmas Party
Last year, the former president held a holiday fundraiser. The cost for a single ticket was $10,000.
According to another Business Insider report, former press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted about the Trump Christmas party, calling it "An Evening of Merrymaking with Donald Trump."
The ticket price will get guests into the fundraising event with festive cocktails and dinner and a photo with Donald Trump. Families of up to four can pay $30,000 to get into the event.
However, the money raised did not go to Trump's political operation. Instead, according to a person familiar with the matter, it went straight to his own pocket.
Some attendees said they bought their tickets from a personal company, Whip Fundraising. Whip Fundraising founder Brad Keltner noted that "the lion's share" went to charity.
However, the website that advertised the event did not list any charitable cause. Keltner refused to discuss how the money was distributed.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Mary Webber
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