DC and the EAF

[TheHorseProblem]

Did anyone else get this email today? What's going on?

Dear Contributor to the EAF in honor of Darren Chiacchia,

Please excuse the informality of this message, but it has come to our attention that a misconception may exist in regard to benefits being paid for Darren Chiacchia. As the Vice President and General Counsel for the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF), it has come to EAF's attention that many of you have been or will be contacted by Mr. Chiacchia or his associates claiming that he has received little to no money from the funds that were donated in his honor. I want to assure you that this is not the case.

As a result of your generous collective efforts, more than $300,000.00 was generated in Mr. Chiacchia's honor. Consistent with our mission, benefits have been provided to Mr. Chiacchia for his medical and living expenses while he recuperates from his unfortunate injury. To date, approximately $200,000.00 has been provided to Mr. Chiacchia or various service providers. With the exception of one chiropractic bill that is under review, each and every medical expense submitted to us has been paid in full. In addition, Mr. Chiacchia has received $10,000.00 per month for living expenses for the period April, 2008 through March, 2009.

In or around March, 2009 a request was made to increase Mr. Chiacchia's monthly benefit. As a result, a complete and thorough review was conducted of his expenses. It is worth noting that all our recipients receive a yearly review of expenses to reassess their level of need. After a comprehensive review the monthly benefit was decreased to $4,485.70 since in the opinion of the EAF and consistent with its mission, Mr. Chiacchia's essential needs have decreased. Furthermore, we are not responsible for business expenses nor expenses that are above and beyond those which are deemed essential. Our review has also indicated that many of the original expenses that were being paid are no longer required or not being used. Continued benefits are also contingent upon our receipt of medical documentation supporting his disability and /or work capability as well as documentation to support his expenses. Our goal all along has been to provide basic emergency assistance to Mr. Chiacchia during his time of need. We believe we have gone above and beyond to achieve this goal. Mr. Chiacchia via his business manager, who all along has been our primary contact, was informed in a letter dated April 30, 2009 of the recent changes to the EAF's support. To date, we have not received a response to our letter.

It is truly unfortunate that you may be brought into a situation that should not exist. We are greatly appreciative of your efforts and contributions to the EAF whether for Mr. Chiacchia or for the many others to whom we provide benefits. We hope that this communication has clarified any confusion regarding this matter. We are taking this matter seriously and hope that it is resolved as expeditiously as possible.

I invite you to contact me at 617-757-6514 or agray@bowditch.com with any additional questions or concerns.

Thank you for your time, consideration and understanding.

Alfred Gray
Vice President and General Counsel
Equestrian Aid Foundation

[CiegoStar]

That Darren sure is a peach, isn't he? :eek:

[mcm7780]

Interesting...

[LexInVA]

Hoooo boy....this is gonna be good for some laughs.

[JER]

Sad.

:: off to buy refreshments anyway ::

[LexInVA]

So, who wrote the EAF and tattled on Darren for getting too many Soy Milk Mocha Cappucino Lattes with extra foam? :lol:

[joharavhf]

:eek:

Wow. I'm surprised he continues to get support from the organization at ALL....considering that he is out doing business as usual and all......

[MaryKay]

Yes, I received the same email and also wondered what was going on. Possible he has had some set back? Has he been competing lately? I went to his web site and there is no info on the calendar. Also, the young man, (forget his name) that went to work for him is no longer listed as a member of his staff.

[LexInVA]

Interesting observations. It's no secret that he lost a lot of friends and his significant other left him after he was injured. His business and competition record since then has been fairly inconsistent and such. Perhaps he's finally dealing with the psychological effects of his injuries?

[Regal Grace]

Yes, I received the same email and also wondered what was going on. Possible he has had some set back? Has he been competing lately? I went to his web site and there is no info on the calendar. Also, the young man, (forget his name) that went to work for him is no longer listed as a member of his staff.

Son of (I think Ian Roberts road Napalm at Rolex). Waylon road Paleface at Rolex 2008.

[MaryKay]

Son of (I think Ian Roberts road Napalm at Rolex). Waylong road Paleface at Rolex 2008.

Yep thanks that is who it was Waylon Roberts. Whatever the reasons, he wasn't there long.

[purplnurpl]

Perhaps he's finally dealing with the psychological effects of his injuries?


um...not likely. Just last month he competed 5 UL horses at The Fork. Three of them at the Advanced level.

He's super.

[NeverTime]

Total speculation, but ... Kinda sounded to me from that letter like maybe he figures that if people gave $300,000 "in (his) honor," then he's entitled to that entire amount, not just the $200,000 the foundation said he's already received. :confused:

[SmallHerd]

Yeah, got the same e-mail. Sounds to me like someone in his camp requested MORE than the $10K he was receiving each month from the EAF. An audit was conducted (SOP) and it was determined that instead of needing more $$ each month, he actually needed less. Seems someone was getting a bit greedy.

[SevenDogs]

I do think sometimes people are confused when they donate to a non-profit organization in a specific name or cause, that all of the money will go to that person or cause. Red Cross is a good example. If you donate after a natural disaster, your money may or may not reach victims of that emergency. In order to retain non-profit status, they can only distribute based upon proven need (you may remember the problems associated with the distribution of 9/11 funds). If they have more donations than they can use under their guidelines, your money may be used for another approved use and this can mean another disaster or, even administrative costs.

I am not saying that it is bad (quite the contrary in most situations), it is just important to understand how your donations may or may not be used.

[GoodyTwo]

$10K a month?!?! :eek:

[LexInVA]

$10K a month?!?! :eek:

High-maintenance horses + High-maintenance rider = EXPENSIVE UPKEEP!

[GoodyTwo]

Yeah, I can see how $10K a month while he’s unable to work would be in order, but once he’s back working and riding… not so much. Apparently the EAF feels the same.

[EventMore]

If there is any truth at all to this letter, he HAS received the vast majority of $300K - 10K a month adds up to 100K pretty fast.

I can see an organization like the EAF wanting to be proactive in their communication, but this seems like too much specific info to be a legit thing?

[Jaegermonster]

Sounds like his Divaness and his sense of entitlement has struck again and been struck back.

$10,000 a month? Wow. I could live quite well on that.


A wise old friend once told me,
"If one person tells you you're being an ass, don't worry about it too much.
If everyone is telling you you're being an ass, you probably ought go buy a saddle"

think DC needs full harness

[Speedy]

No idea what the money he got was supposed to cover or did in fact cover, but if he was insufficiently insured or completely uninsured, $10K a month may not have been enough to cover his medical expenses, let alone his lattes, given his injuries.

[TheHorseProblem]

Sounds like his Divaness and his sense of entitlement has struck again and been struck back.

$10,000 a month? Wow. I could live quite well on that.


A wise old friend once told me,
"If one person tells you you're being an ass, don't worry about it too much.
If everyone is telling you you're being an ass, you probably ought go buy a saddle"

think DC needs full harness

I had a friend who suffered a serious head injury. It exaggerated every annoying tendency she had, rendering her insufferable.

Maybe his family should consider an intervention.

Referring to the question of the legitimacy of the EAF letter, did everyone who received it indeed contribute to the fund? I did. And did anyone hear from DC as alleged?

[Jaegermonster]

the original post said the $10k was for living expenses only in addition to the $$ he was being paid for medical expenses.

Believe me I know about head injuries, having had a basal skull fracture myself and too many concussions to count. They do have a tendency to make one a bit difficult.

[MaryKay]

I had a friend who suffered a serious head injury. It exaggerated every annoying tendency she had, rendering her insufferable.

Maybe his family should consider an intervention.

Referring to the question of the legitimacy of the EAF letter, did everyone who received it indeed contribute to the fund? I did. And did anyone hear from DC as alleged?

Yes, I contributed several times and the only correspondence I have received from DC was a thank you note several months ago.

[Castell]

In October ,Darren went to Germany and bought several Horses at the German Trakehner Auction.That cost a little bit with shipping them to U.S..And American Breeders have plenty of Quality Horses here for sale .Kind da stabbed them in the back.

[LexInVA]

In October ,Darren went to Germany and bought several Horses at the German Trakehner Auction.That cost a little bit with shipping them to U.S..And American Breedersd have plenty of Quality Horses here for sale .Kind da stabbed them in the back.

I hope none of that EAC money contributed to any of it if that is the case. That would be unacceptable for any of that money to float his "bidness".

[retreadeventer]

This whole thread has bothered me in terms of the whole of eventing, and I was even MORE dismayed when I had to go looking for it to post....that it doesn't bother other eventers who usually are just waiting to jump on things like this.
I am very bothered by this. I contributed to this fund, and many others did too. Anytime anyone asks for a good cause I try to help. I feel as though I have been wronged - because this is stealing!
Along with the stupid fall rule that keeps good people from riding and the inability of the associations to help with the classic format three -day events that everyone really wants to save, the hits that great events take and the greediness of anyone in a position to take money in this sport, I just feel like eventing doesn't act or feel like a sport I care about as much. Stupid comments made by our sports leaders. Reaction rather than action. Poor organization, difficult made worse by ignorance. I am really about at the end of my "support the sport" rope. This from a diehard eventer!
I am REALLY disgusted. Is anyone else feeling this?

[NeverTime]

Truly, I can't tell which side you are arguing.

Do you feel like it's stealing because you contributed money in Darren's name and want to see the dollars you intended for him go to him, or do you think it's stealing that he wants more of the $300,000 contributed in his honor than the amount they've determined he should get?

[hey101]

retread- I know how you are feeling. I am feeling like that myself these days. Especially after Kingpin and then only a few weeks later, Bailey Wick. When will enough be enough? I"m tired of the excuses, tired of the "well it was an accident and bad luck". I'm glad that others out there are willing to keep on fighting the good fight, because when I think about the sport of eventing, I just feel... tired. I haven't even joined USEA this year. I still love the sport but my passion for it is waning in direct proportion to the interest I'm developing in the wider realm of other horse sports out there- classical dressage, foxhunting, plain ol' trail-riding, and I am kicking around dabbling in some hunter stuff just for fun.

Do I feel bad that I feel this way? You bet. But at the end of the day, when I think about eventing, I just feel... tired.

I'm sure I'll get ripped to shreds for this post but that's how I feel.

[RAyers]

Oh, I am disgusted by the implications of this but it is becoming apparent that DC is digging his own grave and I no longer need to give him a shovel. He doesn't need my help to bury himself.

I refused to donate to this fund because of this potential outcome.

Reed

[retreadeventer]

It's not just this, it's several things.
Reed, you have been frustrated, too. Usually I try to look on the bright side. But today I just don't feel there is any bright side left.
The heck with it. I am seriously rethinking my long term eventing goals right now.

[hey101]

I'm surprised by the lack of response to this thread as well, considering both the topic and the subject (isn't a DC-thread usually guaranteed to start a trainwreck)? And I had already wondered if the lack of response meant a lot of others were starting to feel as I am... that the great divide between the upper and lower levels of the sport continues to widen. And that I just don't care any more what ridiculuous behavior some of our more prominent ULR's are displaying lately- I'd expand on the post below to say that they are ALL beginning to dig their own grave, and worse, the grave of the sport...

The big kids in the sandbox can only beat up on the little kids and changing the rules of the game to suit themselves for so long, because eventually those little kids are going to pick up their toys and go find another sandbox to play in. And maybe the big kids won't realize right away that lots of toys are leaving, but eventually they are going to look around and realize that there are no toys left except their own- and it's not much fun to play with just one or two toys- big fancy toys of course- but still just one or two toys. And even worse, when the big kids keep breaking their expensive toys over and over and over again and saying "it's bad luck/ an accident/ someone else's fault"- well then someone else is going to step in and end the game altogether. But the little kids won't care because they already found a bunch of other sandboxes to play in...

(sorry, feeling rather pessimistic and dreary today! :eek:)

[RAyers]

The big kids in the sandbox can only beat up on the little kids and changing the rules of the game to suit themselves for so long, because eventually those little kids are going to pick up their toys and go find another sandbox to play in. ...



And I think this thread reflects that. Who needs to comment on a pitiful reality, if entirely true?

[bambam]

I'm surprised by the lack of response to this thread as well, considering both the topic and the subject (isn't a DC-thread usually guaranteed to start a trainwreck)? And I had already wondered if the lack of response meant a lot of others were starting to feel as I am... that the great divide between the upper and lower levels of the sport continues to widen.
or it could be that people think this is interesting but having no personal knowledge or facts do not feel any need to publcily comment on it or takes sides. I have fairly strong opinions about Darren but since I have no idea about what Darren has challenged with the EAF, Darren told contributors, Darren's medical expenses are, etc, I do not think I am in a position to say much on a thread like this. All I have is a letter sent by EAF which, while I give a lot of credence to, certainly does not put me into a position to know what is going on. shrug
I do think there is a growing divide btw the ULs and the LLs but I don't think a lack of response to this thread is necessarily indicative of that divide or general feelings about the sport

[deltawave]

$10,000.00 per month for living expenses Holy crap!!

Re: lack of response--I had no idea what the thread was about until I got bored enough to open it! :D

[vineyridge]

Holy crap!!

Re: lack of response--I had no idea what the thread was about until I got bored enough to open it! :D

Ditto!

[Bellfleur]

Heard a rumor from someone today that should know that a portion of this money went to finance the purchase of a new farm in Wellington for DC. I think his behavior - if it is being reported correctly - is reprehensible.

I do NOT think it reflects the behavior of other top eventers either. I think it is this one individual in this case. There is a wonderful BN trainer who is out from a very serious accident and is not getting given a dime, forget demanding anything.

If you are back out there competing horses and telling people that you are fit to ride why would you be suing to obtain additional funds ?? I am totally unsure why someone who has been so taken care of by the sport would be suing to get additional funds anyhow. How tacky to say the least............

If I had donated I would be horrified and super pissed off!!!!

[flutie1]

"...inability of the associations to help with the classic format three -day events that everyone really wants to save,"

If everyone really "wants to save" the classic format, how come ONLY FIVE RIDERS COMPETED LAST WEEKEND IN THE LF AT VIRGINIA??? Money where mouths are, folks or it will go away!

[asterix]

I agree with bambam. I have strong feelings about DC and about the sport, but I have NO knowledge of or connection to this issue; and what I've read on this thread seems a bit secondhand for me to jump in with a judgement from afar. But I am READING with interest.

I'm so sorry everyone is feeling "fatigue" about our wonderful sport. I just spent the afternoon hacking around the edges of our cross country course in the final stages of prep for this weekend's event -- we are running BN through Intermediate, and watching the folks work so hard to make the courses great, and seeing the questions asked at different levels -- that still makes me deeply deeply happy that I found this sport.

The issues we face are both serious and difficult to solve, but we have to retain our own personal touchstones about what drew us to this sport -- THAT is what we have to work to cherish as we weather these tough times.

[Christa P]

Heard a rumor from someone today that should know that a portion of this money went to finance the purchase of a new farm in Wellington for DC. I think his behavior - if it is being reported correctly - is reprehensible.



Not sure about Wellington, but he supposed to be taking over the barn at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, NY and is expected to spend $$ on repairing/restoring the main horse barn.


Some basic info about the park:

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=89

http://www.friendsofknoxpark.org/


Christa

[Jazzy Lady]

Knox has been in the works for several years... I think about 3 or 4... and I believe he was hoping to be in it that long ago, so that is probably financed elsewhere. I hope so anyway.

[nirvana002]

I believe that all funds raised for Darren must be given to Darren and what is in question now is the legitimate dispersal of those funds. The EAF is an incredibly important foundation and it is very sad to see what has happened. The matter at hand should be to support the EAF and the work they do for people who need it. They were obviouly disheartened by having to write this letter to contributors for Darren's fund. The system was taken advantage of, this is apparent, but the real story regarding health insurance etc, will probably never come out. All that can be done is hope that things will be clarified and we as contributors, or god forbid, recipients of the EAF's efforts, will know everyone's best interests are being looked after.

[LisaB]

Okay, I'm confused.
So the EAF gathers funds to help riders in need.
DC got seriously injured.
Money came into the EAF to support him.
The EAF dispersed the funds to him. Not only for medical but living expenses too.
DC got greedy and sent out a scathing email about the EAF and asked for money to be sent to him directly.
EAF shot back and wrote out what they've been paying to him.
We are all pissed at both of them. The EAF is giving him 10k a month for living expenses which is outrageous. DC because he's a greedy little monster.
Right?

[EventMore]

Has anyone been able to verify this info with the EAF? I have tried to call their # but the calls seem to be forwarded to another number with a full mailbox. I hope for their sake it's not full of problem voicemails.

My reason for calling was that I would like to know that this email I see here - 3rd hand - is real and uneditted. I don't believe everything I read.

I have business planned with DC...scheduled it ages ago when I thought it would be nice to support him as he came back from his accident. Now I'm not sure I want my farm associated, but don't want to jump to conclusions about 3rd hand info on a BB.

Not that I'm questioning COTH BBers...just that this is getting serious and deserves professionalism.

[magnolia73]

My reason for calling was that I would like to know that this email I see here - 3rd hand - is real and uneditted. I don't believe everything I read.


Yeah- I would not think that a professional charitable organization would go around emailing people letters of this nature with such distinct details. A press release, written letter seems a more likely mode of information dispersal. I also imagine if that the circumstances are as described that it would become a legal issue and no doubt attorneys would not allow this type of email.

[NeverTime]

Alfred Gray really is listed as a partner with Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, on the Website mentioned in the letter. You could contact him directly, as the letter indicates, if you wanted to confirm.

[wildlifer]

The big kids in the sandbox can only beat up on the little kids and changing the rules of the game to suit themselves for so long, because eventually those little kids are going to pick up their toys and go find another sandbox to play in. And maybe the big kids won't realize right away that lots of toys are leaving, but eventually they are going to look around and realize that there are no toys left except their own- and it's not much fun to play with just one or two toys- big fancy toys of course- but still just one or two toys. And even worse, when the big kids keep breaking their expensive toys over and over and over again and saying "it's bad luck/ an accident/ someone else's fault"- well then someone else is going to step in and end the game altogether. But the little kids won't care because they already found a bunch of other sandboxes to play in...



My feelings exactly. I have no interest any longer in participating in or shooting for the form of eventing occurring at the upper levels and am frankly appalled at many things I see occurring there. My outrage is used up.

[retreadeventer]

Questions for someone versed in 501c3 rules:
Can funds be specifically earmarked for certain people and does that then limit the disbursement to that individual or his/her heirs?
Is it legal to do so, under what circumstances? Why would this be set up this way, why not a pool - seems to me it would be way easier, but that is why I ask.
Questions for someone who knows the EAF a little better:
Why does the mission statement refer directly to medical expenses and basic needs - yet the donation page, explaining where the money goes, talk about quality of life and keeping the person's life up with the peer group? I should think two very different approaches to handing out charitable relief. One is upkeep of the person, the other upkeep of the lifestyle - pretty different things. I thought medical stuff was what this was all about.

[Eventer55]

Why has no one else received an email? Have they?

[Bellfleur]

I did not receive it directly however several unrelated people did e-mail me the same copy.

[LexInVA]

Questions for someone versed in 501c3 rules:
Can funds be specifically earmarked for certain people and does that then limit the disbursement to that individual or his/her heirs?
Is it legal to do so, under what circumstances? Why would this be set up this way, why not a pool - seems to me it would be way easier, but that is why I ask.
Questions for someone who knows the EAF a little better:
Why does the mission statement refer directly to medical expenses and basic needs - yet the donation page, explaining where the money goes, talk about quality of life and keeping the person's life up with the peer group? I should think two very different approaches to handing out charitable relief. One is upkeep of the person, the other upkeep of the lifestyle - pretty different things. I thought medical stuff was what this was all about.

All I see on the website is the medical/basic needs when injured bit. I don't see anything else that describes what the money is used for as far as keeping up with the Jones and the "quality of life" bit is probably not intended to be taken as you may have interpreted it within the context of this situation. Though I do get the subtle impression, from the people I see involved with it, that the outfit does somewhat look like a "welfare for riders" deal that has serious potential for abuse. Quite frankly, I don't get warm fuzzy feelings of sympathy when I look at the names involved with that organization simply because many of them are the same folks who are bumblef**king equestrian sports in this country with their "plan".

[zagafi]

The email posted here is the same one sent to others who donated--so it's legit in that regard.

[NMK]

It sounds to me as if the Foundation is carefully auditing the receipts and auditing needs of the people that receive funds. I applaud them for that. But it does sound like the funds donated specifically for DC may be exhausted or close to it, although apparently DC seems to think he's still entitled to a monthly benefit. It seems he wanted more, but they gave him less. Hence I think he's contacting those that donated and raising a stink. This is an attempt to set the record straight from the Foundation to those people that donated for DC specifically.

Answer to the non-profit question--yes, those funds given with specifics (directed toward DC) must be used for him, and must be fully accounted as such. Imagine if you contributed to help rider X and found out your funds went to rider Y. Not so good.

There are contributors to the general fund without specifics, and that money is probably dispersed based on audited need. That may be what is in question here, as it seems almost at year at 10K plus the 200K of medical bills paid equals about what was earmarked for him.

What is quite disheartening is that he is back on a competitive schedule but still feels entitled to further funds. I would not like to see this foundation lose support because of this situation, as it could be very helpful to those that may never be able to compete again.

That is my beef.

[MaryKay]

As stated in an earlier post-I also received the email and I have also contributed to the DC's fund. I also checked out the attorney that "supposedly" wrote the email and he is a partner in the law firm attached to his email address. If indeed this is a legit email then is there anyone out there that has been contacted by DC or his associates in regards to EAF disbursement of funds contributed in his name? I have only received one form of communication from DC in the form of a thank you and nothing else. So until I see evidence that there is an unethical request by DC to the EAF, I'm not willing to believe/or rush to judgement based on this email. I have absolutely no regrets in contributing to his fund.

[AlterStrength]

What i would like to know is if anyone has received an email from his Business Manager as the email from EAF states.

That is such a shame - but not shocking - consider the source. Darren "Diva" right??

[bambam]

Answer to the non-profit question--yes, those funds given with specifics (directed toward DC) must be used for him, and must be fully accounted as such. Imagine if you contributed to help rider X and found out your funds went to rider Y. Not so good.

Maybe, maybe not- I believe if a non-profit reserves the right to redirect funds if more is donated than necessary for a specific purpose and tells you this at some point in the donation process, they may do so. No idea if EAF does this but the Red Cross and other non-profits do.

[NMK]

Yep, but they have to tell you, as you noted.

N

[vineyridge]

Assuming that the email is correct, isn't it likely that DC thinks that's HIS money, and even if he is able to compete, train and sell horses albeit not at the volume and quality he was able to do before the fall, it's still his? The ongoing living stipend from EAF might be to make up the gap between his income now and before the fall when he was competing.

I can easily see how medical bills and 150k in living expenses would eat up most of the collected funds to date. Especially if the living expenses part was also intended to keep his barn going when he wasn't able to ride/show/and sell. I can also see how the EAF would want to deduct his (or his business's) current gross income from the living expenses payments.

[retreadeventer]

But Viney, what part of that is "basic needs"?

[vineyridge]

They say that they aren't responsible for business expenses. I'm not sure how to take that. If during the period of incapacity a rider lost his whole business, then he's also lost his income producing ability. So it might be perfectly legitimate to use EAF money during the incapacity time to keep the barn going, along with medical and associated expenses. How can anyone use 10k a month on basic (personal) needs after he's up and doesn't need ongoing home care help? Therapy would be considered medical, wouldn't it?

10k over and above medicals for personal expenses is an outrageous amount. So there have to be some other expenses that are considered basic and essential, and that is what isn't made clear.

[SuZQuzie]

I'm really not too sure about this e-mail. IMO, it just doesn't seem professional. Why would a non-profit go out of its way to get its word out first before DC while including all the juicy details? It just seems... off.

Also, where is this alleged e-mail from DC complaining about how he has been short-changed?

I'm not ready to jump down any throats yet.

[advmom]

DC has had a significant head injury and his behavior since returning to competition reflects that of someone who has a brain injury...ie poor decison making skills and judgment.
The fund did what it was intended to do, get him through his medical treatment and "back on his feet".
His inability to make sound decisions has driven him to seek more money from the fund!

[Skursar]

Thanks for all the questions and concerns regarding the Equestrian Aid Foundation. As an officer of the board, I'd first like to say that I'm sorry to not have found this thread sooner as a lot of speculation could have been quickly addressed with minimal confusion.

Yes, the letter is legitimate. I will try to address as much as I possibly can, however, note that if you have any legal questions should be addressed to Al Gray, the vice president and general counsel of the EAF's Board of Directors. His name, number and email are at the bottom of the letter.

Nonprofit or 501 (c)3 organizations can only be formed to help a group of people, a nonprofit can not be formed to help an individual. The EAF has made every conceivable effort to provide for Darren's medical needs and will continue to do so. As with all grant recipients, the EAF receives documentation (bills/invoices) to support claims.

The EAF does not pay recipients for business or any horse-related expenses.

I'd like to remind you all that the EAF is not an organization established to help only eventers. In fact, Darren is a unique case. Not only was he a member of the EAF’s board of governors, he is also an internationally recognized rider who was involved in a very high profile accident during competition.

He does not, however, represent the majority of people the Equestrian Aid Foundation assists. We do not support people based on age, discipline or even professional or amateur status. Some of our recipients don’t even ride horses. Many were not involved in accidents involving horses either.

The first 10 years, the EAF operated as an organization specifically helping those in the equestrian community with HIV/AIDS. Two years ago the EAF expanded its scope to include those suffering from catastrophic illness (such as cancer and other life-threatening illness) and accident.

Most of the EAF’s approved grant recipients remain in relative anonymity. Recipients have few similarities, other than a need for assistance and their love of horses. They come from all walks of life – riders (professional and amateur), farriers, show organizers, trainers and managers; diverse disciplines – both Western and English; well-known competitors and pleasure riders; ages ranging from 14 to 56; and living in all parts of the country – both urban and rural.

Most EAF recipients come to us – through a phone call, email or completion of our online grant application. Some of our grant recipients need assistance for only a short time, like a few months, while others require ongoing care and support.

The EAF is made up of concerned horse people who care about those in our community. We are not exclusive. The EAF is the only nonprofit of its kind and I hope that you will all continue to support it.

Please take the time to learn about the EAF. Visit our website or give us a call. Feel free to contact me directly too.

Sheryl Kursar
Secretary, Board of Directors
Equestrian Aid Founation

[LisaB]

So the EAF covers medical expenses only?
And why is DC a 'special case'? Special in what way? That you gave him living expenses as well?

[LexInVA]

So the EAF covers medical expenses only?
And why is DC a 'special case'? Special in what way? That you gave him living expenses as well?

Yes, they are supposed to cover medical/basic living expenses associated with medical needs while injured/disabled so long as they are reasonable. Darren is just special. His mommy told him that years ago and he's been telling everyone else ever since. :lol:

[LisaB]

LOL at work! Lex, you kill me!

[Jealoushe]

I'm sorry but I really don't understand how he can be receiving $10k a month for living expenses, medical etc AND be competeing.

If he can afford to be competeing 5 horses per event, he can afford to pay his own medical and living expenses. Sometimes you have to sacrifice things in life when life throws you a curve ball.

This is seriously disturbing.

[snoopy]

I'm sorry but I really don't understand how he can be receiving $10k a month for living expenses, medical etc AND be competeing.

If he can afford to be competeing 5 horses per event, he can afford to pay his own medical and living expenses. Sometimes you have to sacrifice things in life when life throws you a curve ball.

This is seriously disturbing.



and not all together surprising.

[RAyers]

... In fact, Darren is a unique case. Not only was he a member of the EAF’s board of governors, he is also an internationally recognized rider who was involved in a very high profile accident during competition.

...

Sheryl Kursar
Secretary, Board of Directors
Equestrian Aid Founation



Ms. Kusar, with this statement, implies a possible conflict of interest and why DC did get what he got, even though he was riding within 4 months of his accident.

Reed

[LisaB]

Uhh, that's why I left my questions rather open-ended. I don't want to assume anything but those are my thoughts too, Reed.

[JAM]

Yes indeedy. If I had given money to EAF, I would be asking some serious questions.

Ms. Kusar, with this statement, implies a possible conflict of interest and why DC did get what he got, even though he was riding within 4 months of his accident.

Reed

[monstrpony]

I'm sorry but I really don't understand how he can be receiving $10k a month for living expenses, medical etc AND be competeing.

If he can afford to be competeing 5 horses per event, he can afford to pay his own medical and living expenses. Sometimes you have to sacrifice things in life when life throws you a curve ball.

This is seriously disturbing.

Agreed.
Gotta say, I'm appalled by this. Seriously disturbing, indeed.

[Castell]

What's disturbing to me is that he even took a plane to Germany in October08 and then bought Trakehnerhorses while the market here is suffering.He took the money from Americans and took it overseas.Now he even wants more money ,he should thank God what he has .Nice going!I don't think I will ever contribute and I know friends of mine did and they don't even have a quarter of what he's got.
I think I will ask for money since I hurt my nerve falling on ice in February and can't ride yet.I'm loosing money not beeing able to sell my riding horse which is now on pasture.

[mtk9122]

What ever happened to Baron Verdi, the stallion he was riding? I checked out New Spring Farm's website and it's not been updated in months.. just wondering.

[flutie1]

What ever happened to Baron Verdi, the stallion he was riding? I checked out New Spring Farm's website and it's not been updated in months.. just wondering.

I understand he's back in Missouri at the Holekamp's farm and is enjoying a dressage career.

[Skursar]

To further clarify ...
1. Nothing is paid by the EAF without documentation, such as medical bills and invoices. Horses bought overseas, horse care and competition costs do NOT fall within the parameters of EAF expenditures.

2. When I said Darren's case was unique, not special, it was because most EAF recipients are not involved in high profile accidents and often remain anonymous while receiving aid.

If you have additional questions or legal concerns, please call the EAF's general counsel and vice president Al Gray at 1617.757.6514. Thanks.

[Jaegermonster]

Now I'm going to further clarify. Here's my problem with the whole thing:

If DC can afford all this competing and travelling and horse importing, then why does he need all this $$ from the EAF? I can see a little help with medical expenses but 10k a month to live? thats about 3 months for me
I smell a rat somewhere.

[Skursar]

Now I'm going to further clarify. Here's my problem with the whole thing:

If DC can afford all this competing and travelling and horse importing, then why does he need all this $$ from the EAF? I can see a little help with medical expenses but 10k a month to live? thats about 3 months for me
I smell a rat somewhere.


I personally can not speculate as to what activities may have been paid with sponsored or personal funds. As I've mentioned, documentation is necessary for reimbursement of EAF funds. As the letter states, EAF funds have been reduced.

I'm sorry you feel that some wrongdoing has taken place. I encourage you to call Al Gray, so that you can be assured that the Equestrian Aid Foundation has been legally responsible.

The EAF continues to assist grant recipients ... regardless of age, professional/amateur status, or discipline.

[Jealoushe]

To further clarify ...
1. Nothing is paid by the EAF without documentation, such as medical bills and invoices. Horses bought overseas, horse care and competition costs do NOT fall within the parameters of EAF expenditures.

2. When I said Darren's case was unique, not special, it was because most EAF recipients are not involved in high profile accidents and often remain anonymous while receiving aid.

If you have additional questions or legal concerns, please call the EAF's general counsel and vice president Al Gray at 1617.757.6514. Thanks.

That still doesn't change that he could have used his personal money to pay for medical bills...instead of horses, competing. Someone who might not have that money could have used the donations that went to DC.

[JSwan]

I hope I can answer some of your questions.

FASB applies to charitable gifts. Any charitable gift. By gift I mean donation of cash, appreciated securities, land, a CGA, CRUT, CRT, DGA, life insurance,etc. Doesn't matter. Outright or deferred.

A donor may restrict his gift, and how that gift is used depends upon the type of restriction.

If you donated 1K to "help Darren", the gift will probably not be segregated, though it will be accounted for separately, as it is unrestricted under FASB. The nonprofit will invest the funds, can co-mingle it with gifts from other donors, and can use the gift to "help Darren", as long as that assistance complies with the mission statement, any internal policies, and checks and balances designed to ensure the recipient does not abuse the gift. The gift is restricted in that you designate a recipient, but it is unrestricted under FASB because you do not restrict principal or income, or for a very specific reason.

If you donated 1K to "be used to pay for Darren's medical bills", then it is temporarily restricted and can only be used to pay for medical bills. It cannot be used to pay for living expenses or for lattes or anything else. It will be accounted for differently.

If you donated 1K and specify that it has to be added to an existing endowment or be used for a new one (that figure is too low to create an endowment but I won't quibble), and that only income can be used to "help Darren", the gift is permanently restricted. However, the income can be used as the charity deems appropriate.... to "help Darren" to a point.

If the nonprofit does not take steps to ensure it refrains from creating a private benefit, it may be in a heap of trouble. That private benefit could be an accident due to an oversight or lax policies, or it could be intentional - even politically motivated. This can happen in cozy deals involving higher ups in a nonprofit. In other cases it's just incompetence on the part of the nonprofit.

What happens within the nonprofit is that "X" happens and donations start coming in. However, what a donor may not realize is that if they want their gift to be used for a specific purpose - they MUST restrict it and do so in a way that leaves no wiggle room on the part of the nonprofit.

Probably many gifts came in marked for "Darren". Well - that leaves the nonprofit a heap of money for its operating reserve, its operating endowment - you just don't know the money is split up. Some nonprofits take a cut off each gift and use it for operations. Or a gift triggers a commitment for another unit or department to fund. It can be pretty complicated.

I did not donate to this cause nor do I event, and I don't know the ins and outs of this particular nonprofit. I'm writing in generalities.

However, private inurement is an ever present danger to a nonprofit and if there is any question these funds have been misused - the nonprofit should consult its internal auditors as well as bring in an outside auditor if necessary. Particularly since this foundation is closely related to the sport it purports to assist, and a recipient of the funds is considered a "leader" in the sport. If nothing else - it just looks bad. At the worst - excise taxes and loss of nonprofit status.

Nonprofits are there to assist those in need - but they are not there to subsidize hobbies or private enterprises, nor are they there to pay for luxuries, new homes, or other extravagances.

If the nonprofit does a review and sees a person no longer requires assistance or as much assistance, it speaks well of them to scale it back.

Hope that helps answer your questions. (spent the latter part of my career working in the nonprofit field)

ETA - HEY - WAIT. If a recipient is on the BOG then I have some very very serious reservations and concerns about private inurement. Hope the foundation has addressed that possibility.


Questions for someone versed in 501c3 rules:
Can funds be specifically earmarked for certain people and does that then limit the disbursement to that individual or his/her heirs?
Is it legal to do so, under what circumstances? Why would this be set up this way, why not a pool - seems to me it would be way easier, but that is why I ask.
Questions for someone who knows the EAF a little better:
Why does the mission statement refer directly to medical expenses and basic needs - yet the donation page, explaining where the money goes, talk about quality of life and keeping the person's life up with the peer group? I should think two very different approaches to handing out charitable relief. One is upkeep of the person, the other upkeep of the lifestyle - pretty different things. I thought medical stuff was what this was all about.

[subk]

Before everyone gets in a wad about the EAF realize this: The EAF just threw DC under the bus with that letter. Makes one wonder what he did/said/threaten for such a blow back doesn't it?

As far as DC buying horses, if I owned a trucking company and bought some new trucks for my business after having recent help with personal medical bills no one would bat and eye. For Darren, buying horses is a business expense not a personal one.

[Jaegermonster]

You're right, "after" the help wouldn't bother me one bit.
Its "during" the help that i have a problem with.
And the information so far (not just here) seems to indicate that he did at least some of that while he was getting help from the EAF.

[LexInVA]

As far as DC buying horses, if I owned a trucking company and bought some new trucks for my business after having recent help with personal medical bills no one would bat and eye. For Darren, buying horses is a business expense not a personal one.

By all accounts, Darren was not doing very well financially before the accident and was worse off after it as his clients left for other trainers and riders. The question we have to ask is, when did his financial needs, in terms of his medical expenses, decline and how soon after that did the EAF reduce his funding allocations. Once that is determined, other questions can be answered.

[vineyridge]

What's bothering me is that if he's well enough to compete every weekend, sometimes riding multiple horses, and he's well enough to run a business and buy horses to train and sell with what he makes from that business, then he doesn't need help with his living expenses because of the accident. He might still need help with medicals connected to the fall, if there are any; but if what the EAF is doing is financing his personal expenses so he can use all his work income for his business, well, that's just wrong. If his business supported him personally before, it should be supporting him personally now.

[JER]

What's really sad is that DC didn't use the funds available to him to do a longer post-acute care program. He rushed himself back to riding and competing when there was a lot of healing, rehab and therapy still to do.

Many people don't have the financial means to go to a brain center and get this kind of post-TBI care. DC did via the EAF and yet he -- in his post-TBI state -- chose to go run Windfall around more Prelims and Intermediates.

This is hardly a unique situation in the world of TBIs.