By Mark - Wake Up and Smell The Coffee

March 4, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

What is the deal with this? I went to CW website - a new event, a new name, same sponsors. WC? Where is it? Did they kiss and make up? We may have all been had. Everyone is lining their pockets. In the future let me know when I am getting screwed - if I am in this case. Who and What and Where and Why? How? You lead us on and then no follow up. To quote Seth Greene, “Something stinks in suburbia.” What is the deal with this event? HELP!!!!!!

By Need an Update, Please

March 4, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Can you get a real, accurate update Mark? This story is big for our area, and I think it needs to be investigated. I love your work but who cares about wine tasting when you have a HUGE story right in front of you. I think people would love to know the workings of this deal. Who is responsible? HB, AW, WC? All of the above? Who are the major players, what kind of monies were raised in the past? Another wine event? Another wine event for the elite of Dayton, rather than making it more inclusive? Do we need these “pat yourself on the back” charity events when people could just write a check to WC and stay home for an afternoon - now that would be more like REAL CHARITY, would not it? Or is “giving” only in the name of “what do I get out of it” while people get drunk and bump each other out of line to get their fill. Real “giving” there. I love the event, I go often, but I hear all the time it is a fake event, for the rich and elite, and really is only for the benefit of the businesses, not true charity, if you know what I mean. We need profitable businesses to act in good faith, but i guess that ship has sailed.

By John W

March 3, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

Ohsass - you bring up some great points. I also wonder if there isnt some back story that we are not seeing. THose at HB, AW and CW - will be held accountable.

By John W

March 3, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

Culture Works isn’t the face of our community. Vail Miller Jr. of Heidelberg Distributing and Mif Frank, from Arrow Wines; are out of touch of what is needed to support area agencies. I say sue them. They made past commitments to this group, they should be held liable for their actions.

By Sad - Art over Illness

March 3, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

Interesting…the arts over community need. How will CW hold their head up in public over this one. Sad to think that CW would even want to collaborate with this group. Wonder when the rug will be taken from under their feet as well. This proves to the rest of us that CW is nothing more then greedy money takers, out for any pennies they can get. Ok, time for a Letter to the Editor….sorry CW, but your no better then any other ill ran and misleading large NFP in the area. Best way to help – don’t support CW or the businesses that are involved.

By ohsass

March 1, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this

One more comment please. I believe without a doubt that had those people who took advantage of WC, simply approached them earlier, openly and honestly with their thoughts of bringing in another charity, the result would have been completely different. For instance,perhaps they could have made the event a two day event with one day going to WC and another day going to Culture Works. There are numerous possibilities which could have been discussed and everyone could have benefited. But the bottom line is thats not how this all played out. I can not help but wonder,how low will we allow this sort of action to go, how often will we continue to sit back and turn the other cheek before people will stand up and loudly proclaim, “No! This is just not ok!” Then actually DO something about it.

By Ohsass

March 1, 2009 12:26 AM | Link to this

Wellness Connection had no choice but to get up and walk out of the meeting when they walked into a pre-planned meeting only to find out that some committee members had met in secret and planned nothing less than an ambush. Several committee members were shocked because they were not even aware of the “secret” meeting and had no idea what was being planned. To imply this committee and HB had no idea what WC did with the money they recieved from this event is ludicrous as most of these committee members have been involved in this event for years. Is there truly the inference that HB was also not clearly aware of what WC did with their funds? HB used their own attornies to demand that WC relinquish their patent to the event. Talk about heavy handed and taking advantage of the limited resources of this non-profit to fight back. WC is a women’s heart and cancer advocacy group which provides FREE cancer screenings, heart screenings, support and FREE medication to those women who can not afford it. Cutting their budget was an intelligent and responsible way to sustain those services to their clients. How many other non-profits are suffering in this current economic climate? Can other non-profits expect this sort of treatment? Can the Miami Valley support more than one wine festival? Of course! I have heard that HB is going to go ahead with another wine festival. However, I also heard that they may even try to use a similar name for their event, using “Fleurs de Vin” or some such name. If so, I would hope that readers and wine lovers will see through the sheeps clothing to the wolf beneath. I wonder if one of the committee members use to work for WC and now works at Culture Works? Hum…….

By JS

February 4, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this

You buried this story real quick. Everyone loves to rail on HB and Arrow, but I think you need to do a follow up to get all the facts straight. This story needs to be further investigated.

By I'm not buy'n it - WC is fine as is...

February 2, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this

I wonder…would Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines, be so willing to have a promotions event taken away so easy or have it changed so sudden? Let’s ask another distributor to come in and another retailer to join in…oh, wait; that would be changing everything.

By Dave

February 2, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

GB - They already do this practice…..it’s called a “bar”.

By Steve

February 1, 2009 1:05 AM | Link to this

Wow, Gene…..that was a real thought buster. I can see that a lot of thought wen t into that “nothingness”. Thanks for the add.

By GB

January 31, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

For those who are picking on Heidelberg and Arrow, let me remind you that these “for profit” businesses collectively employee hundred of people - they are doing their part in the community. This event needs new blood, and a lot of nonprofits just have their hand out and “win by default.” Well, those days are over. Nonprofits need to produce results for future handouts, and it is not in the nature of nonprofits to produce results. They produce a lot of “hand holding” and “patting themselves on the back” situations that rarely produce anything for a charity. True charity is given from the heart, anonymously, by an individual. I say 86 the charity gig and make it a huge for profit event. People should donate on their own and not need wine as an excuse to give.

By steve

January 31, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

Shame, on Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines. The article reads to me that two businesses are picking on a non-profit, which can’t use the resources; like money, to combat “finger pointing”. They just are trying to sell more wine.

By nobody special

January 30, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this

I no longer live in the Dayton Area, but I have donated wine and time for 3 different wineries. I have never and will never participate in an event like fleur de fete because it helps me sell more wine. Doesn’t happen, at least not to any measurable degree. I participated to support my wholesaler and a customer sure. But I never sold any extra wine to Heidelberg or Arrow because of my participation. I did spend thousands of dollars in wine samples( which the wineries donate 100%)and in travel costs to support a worthy cause. Don’t diminish what Heidelberg and Arrow have done over the years for WC, Sure there is a PR component but the costs they incur far outweigh any financial benefit. It’s a big cocktail party, and a really good one, and in benefits a great cause, I’m sure it will continue to in the future.

By Leigh

January 30, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

Ok, I’m a volunteer for the event. I worked the front collecting and selling tickets. I was recruited, trained, staffed and assigned to my position by the Wellness Connection. I was sent emails from WC, prior to the event about me volunteering my time, I was trained by the WC staff at the event for my role and I was thanked by the WC for my volunteer time. I’m still waiting for a thank you from Heidelberg Distributing – since you’re claiming this is “your event”. See, you “thank” volunteers – not just the people who are being paid to be there, like your sales staff, store staff and serving staff…it’s THEIR JOB, to be there. It falls under – “other duties assigned…” I met a female from Heil-Berg, and others from the wine store (Arrow) and I witnessed them drinking wine and walking around , eating, dancing, laughing and having a grand ol’ time. I saw the WC staff, behind a table, handing out information about their agency, answering questions, tracking down your so-called “hard-working staff” to get more wine glasses, ice or other things for the food venders and wine booths. I have spent a long time as a sales rep – different industry…but, a rep-is-a-rep. These “staff” you talk about, walk around and make contact with current and possible clients –in gist, “schmooze”. So explain to me again, they “work hard” on the day of the event….I’ll let that be - and chuckle. I saw, a set-up crew, tent, tables and sundries set up by a contractor’s staff. Food vendors sent staff to cook and serve; vine vendors had pourers and a band. I saw a clean-up crew and other contractor tear down the event, a white truck from Arrow, take stuff away. Where was this “hard working” staff? Passing out tickets to stores, hanging posters, when your already making your sales rounds? And, you’re claiming that this is “additional – hard - work”. Getting sponsors? I’ll clean that up for you - you mean, folks who are promoting their own wines and food? Wow, would I love to be your supervisor. I’m saddened that this whole discussion has taken place. The only good thing about this article and what has happen here, it only has taken place here in this blog. Those who think they have “done right” by doing any of this – are clueless and should reread ethics and what a real professional, really is. The only thing this committee, Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines; have accomplished is to draw attention to their own internal flaws and poor inner management skills of their staff. They are the ones who should be reprimanded. It is obvious the wrong people are running this committee and are only able to make hasty, irrational and wrong decisions. Heck, you have your own people writing in this blog that “they weren’t in the decision making process…, this proves that this whole “doing right” was made by a select few… Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines. Lipstick on a pig – is still a pig…” Use your one friend in media to belittle an agency that actually serves a purpose in the community – and you can sleep at night. Wow. Your “moral compass’ and sense of community need, is a little off. It cracks me up that you do not have a clue about non-profit agency collaborative. Explain to me the reasoning – “community minded” rational behind merging a cancer based and health minded agency with an agency (Culture Works) that raises money for the arts, under the same tent? You can’t. be serious? No matter how you slice this – it comes down to bad committee management and poor decision making. I think this in fact, this was targeted attack to hide the fact that the committee isn’t doing their job very well and Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines, only care about their own bottom line at the end of the day. Just like the article reads – it’s all about money.

By Mike

January 30, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this

All principles did have a lengthy meeting at The Wellness prior to the last meeting. We’ve tried our best and are still trying even though they walked out. We will work this out, we want to work this out. Everyone suffers if we don’t. Again the goal is to have a great event, with the proceeds going to a viable charity(s) that benefits the Miami Valley.

By Flabbergasted

January 30, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

Mike - If you were “very concerned” why not discuss in private with WC rather than call them into a meeting after announcing another beneficiary and then calling the paper to air dirty laundry from just your side of the story while WC kept quiet trying to remain professional?! This is a tough economy and everyone is dealing with financial hardship. Maybe the community would be willing to pitch in to “staff” the event rather than appoint you to doubt that the group who has made it happen for 15+ years (WC) is incapable. As a for-profit organization making money off of this, why not be a community leader and lend a hand rather than pulling the rug?!

By Mike

January 29, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

Hiedelberg and Arrow along with many other wine distributers have donated all of the wine and glasses, spent endless hours soliciting auction items to the Fleur. Countless resturants have donated and prepared food for the event. Again all of the aforementioned including countless man-hours were donated. Naturaly all involved were promoting their products wine as well as food. However our efforts have raised five hundred thousand dollars for the Wellness Connection and of that we are very proud. In order for the event to prosper the charity needs to provide the logistics of which there are many, tent, electric,permits,tickets, posters, etc,etc,etc plus a staff to man the event. Over the past few months we became very concerned as the staff at Wellness dwindled to a total of two plus a part-timer to handle the Fleur. We were concerned about what the Wellness in its present bare bones condition actually did for the community, if the had staff (2 1/2) to handle the event, and where was the $50,000. plus raised actually going. We haqve had difficulty finding much of the aforementioned out. In order to protect the event we felt it prudent to invite another charity to participate, before deciding their total participation, Wellness walked out of the meeting. I invite all to visit the Wellness website and also the Wellness headquarters in Sugarcamp. All we wish is a continued great event supporting a viable charity with the money raised benefiting as many as possible in the Miami Valley.

By Kirk

January 29, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

I guess I agree with certain aspects on becasue both sides of this issue. However, I seem to recall that this event was started (way back when)because Arrow wanted to do an event to benefit a local charity, they partnered with Heidelberg as a way to bring more wineries into the fold. Which is why the commitee is so heavy with wine industry people. I do understand that Non profit’s budget based on events like this so I see that bringing in another partner might create some budgetary hardship.

By BAX

January 29, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

Ok, I am going to side with the Wellness Connection on this matter. I work with H-Burg as my supplier and find it strange that anyone of the leadership at H-Burg, would think that this is “doing right”. I agree that there should be a change made in the committee. Seems to be very top heavy of favorite players, and doesn’t reflect a diverse base of committee members. Anytime you make a change in an established program, you run the gamble of loss and miscommunication. Why wouldn’t you spread out to other retailers and seek ticket sales and advertising through their established customer base? Why bring another entity into the mix and confuse donors about the “who’s” and the “what for’s”, at the event? It would seem, as H-Burg and Arrow currently want it, they only seek to gain a boarder market base, not meet community needs; as intended. Two totally different organizations at one event is ludicrous and to a degree, unethical. By doing such, you are only confusing the ticket holder and you are locking out the chance for either organization to gain a larger exposure, by limiting a wider and more diverse group; who might not normally attend an event such as this. If you’re going to add another organization, think along the lines of the target audience. We don’t live in LA or NY; this is the Miami Valley, we have a more realistic outlook on things. It seems this is a means at shying away from helping an established, well known organization and a poor attempt at better business and event management skills.

By Shame and blame...

January 29, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines are only in it for the money…their OWN and more market base gain. I wonder…would Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines, be so willing to have a promotions event taken away so easy or have it changed so sudden? Let’s ask another distributor to come in and another retailer to join in…oh, wait; that would be changing everything. Hmmm… Funny that when the shoe is on the other foot…it doesn’t fit so easily. I wonder, who would be crying to the paper then. If the event was downing in past years…change would be needed in the people who sit on the “committee”! Sounds like the committee members, are the ones not cutting the rug. The “accountability of donations?” “Donor rights…” Come on. Ripe Red Wine and the others should not drink and blog at the same time. Hide behind your copy and paste from AFP website…way to use your Google. I’ll lay money, when you found that; you actually learned something.

By Flabbergasted

January 29, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

I agree with comments that 1)the journalist and the paper should be a bit ashamed. As someone in media, I’m shocked that this is considered news. 2)There are definitely two sides to every story and it sounds like Heidelberg are acting like children…don’t air your childish antics to the newspaper unless you are ready for the real story to come out. The for-profit wine distributor says the event was their brain child, but which group here puts in their own resources — financial and otherwise to make this long-running event happen?! Wellness Connection, that is who. Heidelberg and Arrowhead benefit from having massive promotion and sales opportunity at this event, so for them to pull the carpet out from under the very hand that gives them this opportunity…unbelievable. I’ve also worked in non-profit and am positive that WC can show where every dime is spent…and I bet the community could highlight many that have been helped by their services. Those that mentioned money are correct…why not ask the for-profits in this story to truly reveal their reasons for expanding to other beneficiaries who have not done the work. If it’s truly to help more non-profits, then go ahead and put on another event.

By walkingfast

January 29, 2009 7:17 AM | Link to this

We all agree that Fleurs de Fete is a great event. Jeff, Roland and several others questioned where the money went and what programs they support. Volunteer suggested we check the web site,which apparently is outdated, others have called and still did not get an answer. Many have blasted Culture Works for being greedy or questioned what programs they support and even suggested they don’t do much in the community. I, for one, support them and think they would be a wonderful and natural fit for the event. They are well-known and highly-respected and make an impact in our community. Collaboration is the name of the game, nonprofits are asked to be accountable and to work together -a community can only support so many. As for the ticket price - many who have never been there consider it to be expensive. I’ve been there many times and feel I’ve more than gotten my money’s worth. What makes that event so wonderful is the all-inclusive ticket price and the opportunity to sample hundreds of wines and menu offerings from so many fabulous restaurants. In the long run, what matters is that the event goes on. People like to know they are a supporting a great charity that does good things in the community. I really doubt that anyone would not attend if the charity switched to Culture Works or a even a number of charities - I went to that event for years without having a clue what WC did.

By Lois

January 29, 2009 2:44 AM | Link to this

First, Mr. Fisher’s article mentions nothing in regards to “where the money goes.” It does not say that AW or HD is questioning such a thing, so why are people talking questioning this? It seems to me that the event needs a little new blood - and adding an Arts charity fits well with this type of event. I always thought this event excluded a lot of people bc of the ticket price. But it is the organizers decision to do so. I suggest having an open/pay as you go event where it costs $10 to get in and you get 5 tasting tickets, then you can purchase a full glass of wine at a reasonable cost. I hate event where there is a time frame with drinking as the theme - too many power drinkers trying to get the most for their buck. You could host a saturday Noon to Nine event, $10 bucks a head, pay as you go, and get 15,000 people - creating a larger base for future wine customers. As it is now it is the same people who have deep pockets and are already interested in wine. Why not think bigger - and why not think expanding the base of customers. Heck, twenty percent of the people there are people who sell wine, not NEW blood. Make it a larger weekend event (kind of like Oktoberfest) allowing for a larger pool of people. Yes, it would be more work, but it would also generate more money, attract new people, limit the power drinking and mad rushes for food and drink, and the event could promote wine education to get new people interested in wine. But, at the end of the day, it really is not about charity, rather the bottom line. And the bottom line is that this event is really for those in the wine community, not an event for the average wine drinker. I love this event though, I just wish it reached a larger audience that may be interested in wine but don’t have deep pockets.

By PR-IS-EVERYTHING

January 28, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this

Folks, I got to agree, these comments aren’t helping. Let the leadership of the combined work this out. I hope for an event that is both valued and fun to attend. I don’t think we are getting the full story. Ripe Red Wine seems to have a more then inside scoop - which is sad. You’re showing your poker face. If the article would have explained, or better yet; some of the fore mentioned would have happened before this meeting…none of us (the actual donors – aka: ticket buyers) would have been the wiser. Seems to be some insider stuff and goings on, on top of the poor choice of dropping bad info to the media…and yes, it was a bad article. No quotes or comments from all parties talked about in the article - hence: the one sided comment. Not badly written – just badly reported. Bad move getting the media into this.

By steve

January 28, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

Agin - Shame, on Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines. The article reads to me that two businesses are picking on a non-profit, which can’t use the resources; like money, to combat “finger pointing”. Seems that if this issue was so important, they would have seen that any issues; wouldn’t have gotten to this point.

By Beer-is-better

January 28, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this

I’m just doing some simple math here, but; if the past dates, profits and numbers had been down; as stated, why would a committee see fit to make such a change five months out from the event? That does seem very wrong and shows gap managment.

By MD

January 28, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

I was shocked when I heard about this. I would hope that these changes are set within this committee’s by-laws and the committee is following good practice standards. The non-profit business isn’t a bells and whistles practice. As I read some of these responses, I see that most think that events like this are easily set-up and tossed together formats, which are turn-key. Which in fact, they are not. Each must zero out and project to achieve an income level, by either direct or indirect fundraising. My wife and I have sat on larger boards of organizations, participated in fundraising training and what actively donated time and money toward both large and small special events; such as this. I think at anytime you make a significant change that affects the outcome of a fiscal year’s budget and outlook, any such action would be alarming and very hard to swallow. I tend to agree that it seems hasty and odd that such a change would be made, or even looked upon as prudent; so close to an event date. If the past dates, profits and numbers had been down; as stated, why would a committee see fit to make such a change five months out from the event? We have been attending this event for a number of years and it’s always been for the support of the Wellness Connection. Nothing against Culture Works, we support them and their many fine organizations that they support. But, if we are comparing apples-to- apples, Culture Works doesn’t have a direct in-line program format either. Culture Works is the united arts fund and arts service agency for the Greater Dayton region. I feel bad that Culture Works has been brought into this mess and hope that the actions of a committee haven’t ruined the hard work of so many other day-to-day volunteers for two great organizations. It is a shame that this blog and string of comments is a blemish and a bad resolve to a problem. I fear that the below comments have harmed, rather than helped.

By Ripe Red Wine

January 28, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

Whoa! Ladies and Gentlemen, I applaud Heidelberg, Arrow Wine, and the committee for asking questions about where the money goes and what programs it funds. This is not about being right; it is about doing the right thing. Not only are they wise and respected professionals, they are doing their due diligence to ensure that the donor dollars raised go to a worthy nonprofit organization. They were not entering in a conversation to exclude the Wellness Connection. They were simply doing what all committees are doing in these tough economic times - trying to deliver the best event possible and collaborating with another non-profit to ensure it’s success while making sure they uphold their reputation of supporting organizations who are respected in the community. In defense of Mark Fisher - anyone who has ever dealt with Mark knows that he is a true professional and doesn’t play favorites; he simply wants what’s best for our community and the wine community. The Fleurs de Fete committee consists of professionals, who have every right to question where the money goes, especially when their good names are tied to the event. Asking what programs the Wellness Connection funds, and where the money goes, is a standard practice and a nonprofit should not have any issues with answering those questions. The Association of Fundraising Professionals and numerous reputable organizations support The Donor Bill of Rights which can be found on the AFP web site – It was created to ensure that the nonprofit organization merits the respect and trust of the general public and for donors and prospective donors to have confidence in the organization knowing that they abide by the golden standard of ethics for nonprofit organizations – simply that they do what they say they will do with the money donated. The Wellness Connection web site is very outdated and most of their programs advertised have gone away. Their fitness center no longer exists, nor does their “Wellness to Go” program which provided health screenings and education. All nonprofits welcome visitors with open arms. Visit them; ask for a tour, ask what programs they are currently funding. Then you can form your own opinion. Thank you Heidelberg, Arrow Wine, the committee and the community – I look forward to supporting YOUR event this year! Cheers! Here’s to a great upcoming event!

By Young4ever

January 28, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this

I’ll take the side of a non-profit, over any business, any day. Non-profits have board members that are legally responsible for the mission and cause. To question the donation practices of any well established organization, like Well-Conn; is absurd. If both the wine businesses really wanted to help, they would have more events in the community to expand their market base and to help the missions of these organizations and others.

By Joe Koch

January 28, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

As a friend of the Dayton wine community,a supporter of Dayton non-profits,and as a mediator and volunteer of the Dayton Mediation Center, I applaud the suggestion that this important issue could be appropriate for mediation, and I would volunteer to serve as a co-mediator to facilitate the conversation.

By steve

January 28, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this

Shame, on Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines. The article reads to me that two businesses are picking on a non-profit, which can’t use the resources; like money, to combat “finger pointing”. Seems that if this issue was so important, they would have seen that any issues; wouldn’t have gotten to this point. I would question the passion for the mission between Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines, to the community for an even that supports a non-profit. Or , are they just trying to sell more wine? I would agree, this seems very one sided. The wrong side.

By chiefwino

January 28, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this

As a former member of the Fleurs de Fete committee and a long time attender, I would hate to see this wonderful event destroyed for any reason. I agree with DanD perhaps a third party mediator could help resolve any issues without disrupting either agency or forcing a split into multiple festivals. Hopefully, the parties can work out their issues as adults and not resort to a public (newspaper or blog) name calling cat fight.

By Lee

January 28, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

Jeff, I don’t what website you read; but it says on their website what their mission is. I have been the event for the last four years, and I know where the money goes. Haven’t you read the information that’s passed out at the event? Do you even go to this event? How could you not know?

By David

January 28, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

Simply amazing how a comment like “they wanted 100percent or nothing…” can blow this thing into what it is. If anyone is to blame for the two organizations – “coming to blow”…it would be simple bad reporting. So far, Mr. Fisher has done a great “FOX’ style of reporting (reporting – used lightly) and drawn you into reading a non-story, when all we have to talk about is the weather. Why aren’t most of you talking about how it is and has been a struggle for any non-profit to raise money at an event or direct solicitation, in the current economic time? Wellness Connection and Culture Works are both organizations, simply built on selling a dream, an idea and helping for establish a vehicle those dreams and ideas into fruition. They don’t sell “widgets or gadgets”. If, with any good business sense behind this; why wouldn’t a change in beneficiaries or direction of the event, been discussed prior to the upcoming date? There is no comment from Culture Works. So far, I see a one-sided story here, based on one opinion. Next question - Heidelberg and Arrow, if they used correct business sense; would work to collaborate with the organization that has brought them to the success rate of where the event it, to date – and slowly add change was its warranted. Why the need for change? Why not create a new venue or an additional event? One sided article – sad, it comes from the side that gives the reporter support for his stories. He is a wine writer – he is going to show interest to those who floats his bill in topic.

By Jeff W.

January 28, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

Re: Volunteer. I happened to read the website and call Wellness directly and still don’t have an answer where the money goes after they receive it. This should be pretty transparent. As for JP’s comment, just giving a charity several thousand dollars and not having it explained as to where it goes is irresponsible at best and ignorant. From what I understand, the reason for this controversy is simply the fact that Wellness does not have a program in place for this money. Furthermore, what would be wrong with adding another charity and attempting to expand the event. If you don’t try, you will never know. I agree with earlier statements, just show where the money is going. Simple.

By Volunteer

January 28, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

I agree with Sue - you can’t just decide to cut a nonprofit’s funding and not expect there to be some kind of reaction. There are two sides to every story and I’m sure there is information we are not privy to, so don’t assume we are getting all the facts. I understand the idea may be to bring the CultureWorks “audience” to the event, but there’s no guarantee it will bring up the numbers. As someone that has volunteered for the Wellness Connection before, I guarantee you there is not “fat” in the administration. They have made several cuts and eliminated positions to try to keep their programs going. Why don’t you spend five minutes reading their Web site instead of posting another comment wanting to know where the money goes?

By DanD

January 28, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute. Everyone should take a deep breathe and stop finger pointing. These two groups have a long history of working together to produce a very successful event. If anything this conflict begs for mediation before it escalates to a point of no return.

By Michael Brown

January 28, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

As a member of the Fleurs de Fete comittee (but in no way speaking for the whole committee) let me address Linda’s question. As I understand it, the event has not grown over the last few years. The level of money raised in 2008 was the same as in 2007. Attendance went slightly down. There have been hardly any outside corporate sponsors, of late, who have signed onto to help fund the event. It was a theory that this had to do with the beneficiary and I believe, many members of the committee thought that if we expanded list of non-profits that benefitted from the event we could dramatically increase attendance and raise more money, some thought,a lot more money, for the community, which is the point of the event. Culture Works was considered a logical partner because they are well-connected to the area in many ways and involving the arts would connect this event to a different part of the Dayton Community than it was with Wellness Connection alone. Culture Works is an organization that serves many dimensions of the arts in the Dayton-area, including visual and performing arts and has a huge out-reach into the schools. Unfortunately, the people from Wellness Connectionat the meeting on Tuesday morning did not see it this way, didn’t even want to discuss it, and walked out on the meeting in the first 15 minutes. I think they made the wrong decision.

By Linda Osterman

January 28, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

I may have missed something since I now live in California. Being an native Daytonian and attended the Fleurs de Fete for 10 years, what was the reason to add a second non-profit sponsor?

By Roland

January 28, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

It is my understanding from the article that Arrow and Heidelberg came up with the event and then approached Wellness Connection as the beneficiary. That would sound as though it is their event and they ought to be free to question where the money goes and to consider adding another charity if they so choose. I doubt there are any shady dealings or rackets going on inside Wellness Connection, but is the money going to be put to use in the community, towards their stated objectives, or is it going to keep a sinking ship afloat a little longer in hard economic times, as is the case with many non-profits? I agree it is important to find out where my ticket money, which is in effect a donation, is going. I am definitely considering giving the group a call before buying tickets for this year’s event, especially considering often times a non-profit org’s website can be woefully outdated.

By JP

January 28, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe the unethical behavior of Culture Works. How greedy can an organization be? This is nothing short of the Centerville High School saying that a portion of the Art Ball at the art institute should go to football instead of the museum. Non-profits develop signature events that are association with THEM. It’s inappropriate for another organization or sponsor to suggest that another organization’s event and proceeds should be split up. All the money should go to Wellness Connection.

By matt

January 27, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

Charity is has become a huge biz. Some c.e.o’s of non-profits make millions of dollars and have lots of power. Its a racket. We are so quick to give our $$ to strangers but ingore the needs of family. Its sad.

By Jim

January 27, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

The so-called “non-profit” charitable organizations in Dayton now probably out-number those organizations and people constantly being hit-up for donations. That’s why it’s even more important to inquire exactly how the money being raised or donated is being spent. Many of those groups are merely outcroppings of various social circles and in turn serve as a place of paid positions for “friends, relatives and friends of relatives.” A tell-tale sign is when they become bloated with all sorts of “administrative” functions. How about we concentrate our charitable donations to those organizations that actually fill a true need in the community, such as those families struggling with sick or ill children, the hungry, the truly needy, etc.

By Tracy

January 27, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

Shawn, Great point. Anytime there is an issue with a charitable event you can look at the money and there is your answer. As someone with a background in charitable events, the first thing that I would ask is How many programs does Wellness currently sponsor? How many employees? How is the money divided? These are pretty basic questions that should be easily answered. Oh well, I will be there anyway. The event is one of the best in the Midwest.

By Shawn

January 27, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Sue, That’s great, where does the money go? I’m sure it’s a lot of hard work for everyone involved, not just the charity. It’s a great event. I was just curious who the money benefits exactly. 9 times out of 10 when there is a problem with an event you can follow the money and there is your answer.

By Sue

January 27, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this

And Shawn, before you suggest that any organization is being “fishy”, it would be more responsible to call the agency itself and inquire. (Or look to see if there is a Web site, etc.) I don’t mean to sound rude, but as a nonprofit professional it can be devastating when someone uses a word like “fishy” lightly in association with a particular nonprofit. www.wellness-connection.org

By Sue

January 27, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

The distributors NEED the nonprofit organization to apply for the permits. And if this event has always benefitted Wellness Connection, it seems that the distributors should have inquired about a change earlier than now. Planning a fundraiser is no small feat and it is very condescending of the sponsors to expect any nonprofit to give up half of its proceeds unexpectedly, especially when each organization is hurting for dollars in this economy. With ongoing donations down, the sponsors are being insensitive to the real possibility that a nonprofit might not be able to make up the difference of the money that is suddenly going elsewhere.

By Shawn

January 27, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

Where exactly does the Wellness Connection money go? What does their charity benefit? There is something fishy here.

By culture matters

January 27, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this

Hey, they walked out. I say let CultureWorks have all of the money. There’s plenty of time to apply for a new permit.

By Starcastic

January 27, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

…and how would you feel if your organizations main funding vehicle, one which you’d spent years building into a major event, suddenly was diluted by fiat? Not that your group would suddenly have to do less work to promote the coming years event, you would just be receiving less of the profit. Sort of like your employer telling you that you’re taking a pay cut but you still work the same hours. Add to that the very distinct possibility that those who help with the logistics of the festival (Arrow and Heidelberg) don’t really have the right to appropriate the festival name and make decisions arbitrarily.

By wine drinker

January 27, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

My goodness! Isn’t there enough wine to go around? Can’t both the Wellness Connection and CityFolk benefit from the Fleurs de Fete? The Wellness Connection needs to get over themselves.