Stars on Charity Circuit

I am a parent of a child with a developmental disability, and I spend some of my nonworking hours raising money to support one of the charities mentioned in “It Pays to Be a Star on Charity Circuit” (Dec. 8). It is extremely upsetting to read that money is being wasted on watches, caviar and private jets for people who can well afford these unnecessary perks, instead of going to support the people who really need help.

I know the organization for which I volunteer does good work and the staff is committed to its mission, but all our efforts are now that much more difficult if my friends whom I ask to support this cause question where the dollars they contribute are really being spent.

Phillip Hain

Glendale

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I am outraged by the false impression The Times has given. The Spirit of America Tour arranges for headline entertainers to volunteer to do shows at America’s domestic military bases. We have done 18 shows this year and each of our entertainers has done the show free. There are no perks of any kind. The tour simply pays the artists’ provable, actual expenses. Our books are open for scrutiny. Please spread the word that there are many patriotic American entertainers who perform free for causes they believe in.

Robert M. Rosenthal

Spirit of America Tour

Burbank

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I fear that your story will harm countless worthwhile charities, as well as discredit the many stars who help them without any strings. Since we inaugurated our Erasing the Stigma Mental Health Leadership Awards seven years ago, many public figures have participated. No one received any remuneration, except a letter of thanks.

Without the support of the many celebrities who give freely of themselves to support nonprofit causes in Los Angeles, countless residents would go hungry, sleep on the streets and needlessly suffer from treatable physical and mental illnesses.

Kita S. Curry

President, Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center

Culver City

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The next time I receive an invitation to attend or contribute to a charity that has a “big name” providing the entertainment, I hope the fees, including the travel costs, gifts, entourage and extravagant food costs, are listed. That way, I’ll know if the star is sincere or greedy.

Lisa Elan

Tarzana