At last night’s school board meeting, Barbara Thompson held up a copy of the flyer which was to be used at Chick-Fil-A this coming Wednesday evening during a fundraiser for Take Back Perry Schools. Ms. Thompson implied to the audience that Take Back Perry Schools had deliberately deceived the owner of Chick-Fil-A to get him to agree to support our cause. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Knowing that the owner of this establishment had been an active supporter of many good causes, we asked to partner with him to help us raise money. We promised to send several hundred TBPS supporters to Chick-Fil-A and he agreed that 20% of the purchases would be donated back to TBPS. We then released the information through our email distribution list. Within hours, he was contacted by a few individuals who oppose our efforts. He decided that as a business owner, he would rather not become involved in a battle, and we certainly respect his decision. He said he would prefer to donate money directly to children and educational programs. We had reached a compromise solution earlier today of still holding the fund raiser and having him provide the donated funds to groups within the schools. However, based upon Ms. Thompson’s accusatory tone at the meeting, we have now advised him that the event should be cancelled. We do not want him to do anything that may cause someone to shine a negative light on his business.
The owner of the restaurant, Matt, has been very gracious and understanding over the past 24 hours. We are disappointed for him, because by trying to provide community support, he ended up being pulled into controversy. Therefore, we encourage you to go to Chick-Fil-A, 5240 E. Southport Road, on Wednesday night between 4:00 and 8:00. Let’s show the owner, Matt, how much we appreciate his intent, which truly is to support Perry Township. No coupons will be needed, and no funds will be donated back to Perry. Just let him know why you are there, and tell him we admired his willingness to try and work out a way to save the fundraiser. He would still like to partner with other Perry Township programs to help provide funding for our students and teachers. If you are involved in an organization needing to raise money, please talk with Matt and we know he will help if he can.
We apologize for any inconvenience all of this may have caused. Many of us sent flyers to everyone in our address books, so we will need to notify those people that the event is cancelled. Information has been removed from both web sites. Thanks everyone, for your continued support and encouragement. It has been a bumpy road at times, but we are proud to be associated with such a dedicated group of community members. Anyone who attended tonight’s meeting can tell….we have a great deal of work ahead of us!
Jason, this was honestly my fault so you can start blaming the correct person here. I didn’t think a Christian based organization such as Chik Fil A should be holding a fundraiser for an organization who has filed a lawsuit AGAINST the school and the school board members…an organization that is also racking up the police reports here lately huh? So I decided to look into it and find out why they would hold a fundraiser for your organization. The truth is Chik Fil A WAS deceived by your organization. From the owner’s lips himself, he stated that he was told it was all for the schools and scholarship programs which obviously couldn’t be further from the truth.
You should also include that Matt offered to keep the fundraiser night but it was YOUR choice not to. So you didn’t want to support the schools or the scholarship programs? It seems to be your way or the highway here. Matt was offering to help our schools — our entire school system with donations from his company and you turned him down? Yeah it really is all about the children isn’t it?
I wasn’t the one that actually spoke with Matt, so I can’t say whether or not he was “deceived” by our request. I can say that after he decided he couldn’t support our efforts, and we had already promoted the event, we did attempt to keep the fundraiser and donate 100% of the proceeds to PTEF. PTEF then declined to official take sides with our cause and to remain as impartial as possible. It was only then that we decided to pull the fundraiser completely.
I’m not sure what you mean by us “racking up the police reports”. Our efforts are completely for the schools. We believe that the best course of action is for this board to no longer be in power, and part of that is that Dr. Williams is the best superintendent for the township for the immediate future.
We have always stated that any money left over from our efforts would be donated back to PTEF or other school organizations.
How about if everyone goes and eats. Then, if they still desire to contribute to the cause, figure out how much 20% of their bill would be and donate that amount to TBPF?
If members of TBPS are “racking up police reports”, it is probably because they are FILING them!! Thefts and vandalism of our property seem to be a recurring theme.
Jennifer - You need to let go of your mean-spirited attitude and let this drop. You and the owner of the business are telling different stories, and personally, I choose to believe him since I am the one who spoke with him several times. After Monday night’s meeting, I was afraid that if he was connected to our group in any way, even raising money directly for the schools, he would feel pressure from the ever present “vocal minority”, i.e. the majority board members and their families. He is simply a businessman, and a kind-hearted person, who was trying to give back. I did not want him to suffer negative consequences through any association with TBPS, and that is why we mutually decided to cancel our event. By my letter to the community, you can see that I am encouraging others to work with him on future fundraisers. If you keep this up, we will scare him and other businesses away from supporting our schools. He is a fine person, so once again, I ask you to please let it go. It is over. Move on.
I’m sorry, once again? When have you ever asked me to let it go? I have not posted to this website before so your comment to me makes absolutely no sense. And mean spirited attitude is incorrect. A knowledgeable and honest attitude DEFINITELY! I am sick of listening to you and certain other members of your organization lying to your supporters or telling half truths on a consistant basis. If you are willing to lie about something as minute as a fundraiser what else have you lied about? You and certain others of your organization AMAZE me daily with your hypocrisy and lies.
And you are wrong. Matt wanted to help THE SCHOOLS. Matt didn’t want to help your organization after finding out what your organization was about-and yes I am one who spoke to him about it as well as “many others”–His own words. It was your organization’s choice to cancel the event AFTER he stated that he would give the money DIRECTLY to the schools. That’s the sad part of all of this. You won’t let the fundraiser be for the children? You won’t let the fundraiser help our schools? our sports clubs? But if the $$ is going to your organization, then you’re all for it. That is horrible and truly shows that you ARE NOT in it for the kids as you like to claim.
And this part of your post
“After Monday night’s meeting, I was afraid that if he was connected to our group in any way, even raising money directly for the schools, he would feel pressure from the ever present “vocal minority”, i.e. the majority board members and their families.”
Is quite hilarious as this was decided BEFORE THE MEETING Monday evening!! Get your lies straight before you post them.
I am a TBPS supporter, but I was shocked when I saw the information about the Chick-Fil-A fundraiser. I don’t think it was appropriate to ask Chick-Fil-A to participate in a fundraiser for TBPS.
I’m sure the owner didn’t realize the magnitude of the situation into which he was about to become enbroiled. Once he realized he might alienate potential customers, I’m sure he wanted nothing to do with the situation.
While I appreciate TBPS’s efforts overall, I think you were way off base on this one. Funds for TBPS should be raised from group members only.
Jennifer - Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t you Barbara Thompson’s daughter? That is why I suggested at the beginning and end of my post that you let it go. Your mother had already expressed these opinions. I’m sorry you are so angry, but you have no idea what you are talking about. The decision to cancel was most certainly made after the meeting on Monday. I have not told any lies, and I’m not going to address this any further. The matter is closed.
Jennifer, If you reread Mrs. Margasons reply to you, you will see that she asked you to “let it go” in her opening statement and then asked again in her conclusion statement. Just basic reading skills here! Or maybe just Jennifer jumping to conclusions. Huh, I’ve heard that before…..
There has been a lot of money raised from corporate donations for Take Back Perry Schools. It would not be unheard of for a business to offer this type of event. The financial consequences of this unbelievable situation will affect businesses in Perry and the surrounding areas. It is far reaching. Hats off to the person who thought outside of the box to try to raise additional funding.
I believe that Chick-Fil-A did what was best for their organization. I respect their decision.
I do believe that a business person would have to have their head stuck deep in the sand to not realize what Take Back Perry Schools represents. What I would find is more believable was that he had no idea the hostility that he would so openly receive. Unless you have witnessed it, which I have, it is unimaginable. Who would ever think that people would act this way!
Jennifer - I have, in the past, suggested to people that they should back off of attacking you as it is only natural to defend your parents. However, the posts you’ve written here really show a nasty attitude that is not a good reflection on you.
You say you’re sick of lies and half-truths, and that yours is an honest and knowledgeable attitude. Well, here’s an honest and knowedgable opinion for you:
I am sick and tired of watching these four people operate in complete disregard of the by-laws and code of ethics in place for the protection of all involved. I am sick and tired of people accusing this administration of wrongdoing and refusing to show proof positive. I am sick and tired of these four board members having no idea what the limits of their authority are outside the boardroom. I am sick and tired of watching hours and hours of work on relationships accomplished by previous board members and administrators compromised by four people who do not understand the scope of their authority. I am sick and tired of these four people refusing to communicate or mediate. I am sick and tired of the constant reminder that with every legal filing, new lawyer and basically every NEW DAY, this situation is costing innocent taxpayers money, causing parents anguish and costing the township respect. And I am sick and tired of people who truly have no intention of being objective or have no real experience or knowledge of the proper protocol with regard to this situation posting comments that only show how clueless they really are.
These four people mishandled the situation from the start, and the fact that many in the community have zero respect for them and want them removed from office is because of their own behavior.
I am sick and tired of them not recognizing and taking responsibility for their own actions.
Yes, the school system will continue on, with or without Dr. Williams, but much damage has been done - whether he stays or goes, MSDPT School Board has suffered a huge loss of respect solely because of the way this was handled, and the sad part is that it was completely avoidable.
So there you go - no lies, no half truths. My honest and knowledgeable attitude. It has nothing to do with Dr. Williams, but has everything to do with following the rules and giving due process - it just so happens to be exactly what Dr. Williams is fighting for. Sounds fair to me, how about you?
Is TBPS registered with the State as a nonprofit organization?
Yes, it is.
What then is the corporate structure of TBPS?
Are you a 501(c)(3) corporation?
Who is the Registered Agent for TBPS?
My suggestion would be for you to check with the appropriate State agencies for that information. I’m sure you have the numbers.
It’s easy enough to find out. Please feel free to do so
Why are you so interested, “We Support Adams”?? Would you like to join our group? Now that you have seen the hollow charges against Dr. Williams, you understand why TBPS was formed and want to be a part of it?? Or are you digging for information for the sake of an argument?
What else would you like to ask? The balance in the account? How odd that you demand detailed information but refuse to disclose your identity.
Just curious. That’s all. Legitimate nonprofit organizations post this type of information on their web sites and make it available to people who request it. That TBPS hasn’t answered very specific questions makes me wonder if you are a legal entity at all. It seems somewhat deceptive. Staging fund raising events and asking for donations from your web site indicates that TBPS is acting as a corporation, has an income, expenses, a board of directors, etc. As a nonprofit organization, you have to make that information public to anyone who requests it.
To We Support Adams-I am sorry no one is willing to provide you with the information that you are seeking so I will share the information that I have. The information that has been made available to me by the Indiana Secretary of State is that they are indeed a business entity and were registered on December 6, 2006 with the Indiana Secretary of State. The Registered Agent listed is J. Lee Robbins and the address of the business entity is his home address. They are indeed registered as a non profit organization.
If you would like additional information you can contact Todd Rokita’s office at 232-6531. You can also check www.in.gov for information. It will direct you to the Secretary of State’s website. Hope this information helps you.
NCD please know that I am not ignoring your comment and yes in the past I have been very open to listening to you because you are a genuine person-I know that. However, I have too much respect for your family and I will not put myself in a situation where I might offend you or not agree with you over this situation. There is nothing I can do to change your opinion of my parents or the current situation at hand. However I am not going to stop protecting them and standing up for them either. So just know that I do listen to what you have to say, but I am not going to put myself in a situation where you might feel disrespected by what I might have to say back to you.
In regards to Teri M., unfortunately I have found that I do not trust her nor respect her. That is not meant to be a put down to Teri in any way. That is my opinion and because I do not trust nor respect her, I cannot easily have a civilized conversation with her so I choose to not do so anymore. Simple as that.
Jennifer - Understood. I know you aren’t ignoring anyone. I don’t really have an opinion of your parents, but of their actions. You and I disagree, no doubt, and I respect that. I am basing my opinion on personal experience, and you are basing yours on other things. Fair enough. I’ve had a lot of things said to and about me, I would feel no disrespect - you have a right to your opinion of me as well. I have a pretty thick skin when it comes to stuff like that. And I meant no disrespect to you.
It’s very nice to see a civil discourse between two people on clearly opposite ends of the issues. Thank you.
Thank you Admin for your continued respect and for your continued hard work on the websites. I do appreciate all of your efforts. I know how hard it is to work on these websites and keep them up.
I also feel the need to apologize to Admin, NCD and any others who have felt disrespected by things I have said. It is easy to get angry and threatening in this type of situation. I know that we do not all have to agree, but I believe it is my job as a human being to treat others with respect and I apologize if I have not always done so. I think it is very easy to get heated in the situation that this township is currently in, especially when it involves your own family. So I apologize and wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day Weekend with their families.
Thank you Jennifer. I appreciate your help.