Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

American Girl's gifts to agency lead school to scrap show [Catholic school takes a stand]
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wauk/oct05/366844.asp ^ | Posted: Oct. 29, 2005 | By TOM HEINEN

Posted on 10/30/2005 6:15:05 AM PST by Diago

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online              www.jsonline.com               Return to regular view

Original URL: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wauk/oct05/366844.asp

American Girl's gifts to agency lead school to scrap show

Backing of lesbianism, abortion sets off storm

By TOM HEINEN
Posted: Oct. 29, 2005

A Catholic school in Waukesha County is the first non-profit group in the nation to cancel a coveted American Girl Fashion Show amid concerns that the Wisconsin-based doll company behind the show gives money to a national girls organization that presents abortion, contraception and a lesbian sexual orientation as acceptable.

News of the decision by parent volunteers and the pastor at St. Luke School in Brookfield is being reported in bulletins at Masses this weekend.

"It seemed like a match made in heaven; a motivated Catholic school and an all-American icon," Father Frank Malloy, the pastor, says in his printed explanation. "We seemed poised to raise enough funds for a new playground and a remake of the school library."

But, he concludes, "As for us, it's a bargain we'll just have to pass up. The cost is too high. Our integrity isn't for sale."

Only 60 to 65 American Girl Fashion Shows are held nationwide each year, and no other groups have canceled because of this issue, according to Julie Parks, spokeswoman of the Middleton-based company.

The fashion shows include the firm's popular historic dolls being carried by girls who resemble the dolls and dress in the same outfits.

The parish had scheduled five showings May 19 to 21 at the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha.

Organizers had planned to mail invitations to more than 20,000 American Girl doll owners in a wide region. They had hoped to raise at least $10,000 - and perhaps $30,000 or more - through ticket and raffle sales, business sponsorships, and a percentage of sales of American Girl's dolls, books, clothes and other products, said the event's co-chairwomen, Marisa Beffel of Brookfield and Catherine Valentyn of the town of Brookfield.

Beffel, who had originally proposed the fashion show, searched the Internet for details last weekend after word of the company's donations spread. Valentyn, who did the same, said it was a clear, but not easy, decision.

"It wasn't just the money," said Valentyn, president of the home and school association. "It was hard to give up the thought of a really great day for mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and the really great products that American Girl has, these dolls with the historic texts that come with them. But it just felt wrong. We know what the Catholic Church stands for, and we, in essence, represent them."

The parish decision to forgo that and to put a $1,000 deposit with American Girl at risk is one of the latest results of a protest that two national groups - the Pro-Life Action League in Chicago and the American Family Association in Tupelo, Miss. - mounted this month against American Girl and its parent company, Mattel Inc. The league is threatening to call for a boycott of American Girl products if it does not halt the donations by Tuesday.

The spark that set them off was an "I Can" program the doll and clothing company launched Sept. 19 to encourage girls to follow their dreams and to raise money for Girls Inc.

Formerly known for decades as the Girls Clubs of America, Girls Inc. has more than 1,500 centers across the country. Most serve minorities in low-income neighborhoods.

On its Web site and at the centers, it offers a wide range of programs, resources and advocacy positions to help educate and encourage girls in everything from science and athletics to health and sexuality. That includes support of abortion and contraception along with sexual abstinence as acceptable choices for girls. It also includes affirmation of lesbian sexual orientations.

Joyce M. Roché, president and chief executive officer of Girls Inc., was traveling and not available for comment.

American Girl is encouraging girls to sign an "I Can" pledge and to spend $1 for a band that features the firm's signature, berry-colored star and can be used as a wristband, a ponytail holder, a zipper pull, or for other purposes. The pledge is a promise to "be myself," "always do my best," "reach for the stars," "lend a hand to others" and "to try."

Saying Girls Inc. "has helped millions of girls realize their potential," American Girl is donating $50,000, plus 70 cents from each band sale to support Girls Inc. educational programs.

American Girl is holding to its statement that Girls Inc. is one of hundreds of non-profit organizations the firm supports, and that the Girls Inc. donations support three programs that have not been criticized.

"We are profoundly disappointed that certain groups have chosen to misconstrue American Girl's purely altruistic efforts and turn them into a broader political statement on issues that we, as a corporation, have no position," the statement says. "The American Girl brand exemplifies the values of wholesomeness and responsibility that we would expect any organization to commend."

That did not appease Valentyn and Beffel, who thought that some of the content on the Girls Inc. Web site was politicized, inappropriate for girls 12 and younger, and contrary to Catholic teachings.

"I think a lot of moms feel betrayed by the company," Beffel said.


From the Oct. 30, 2005, editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Have an opinion on this story? Write a letter to the editor or start an online forum.

Subscribe today and receive 4 weeks free! Sign up now.



TOPICS: Catholic; Current Events; Moral Issues
KEYWORDS: abortion; americangirl; americangirldoll; catholicschools; girlsclubs; girlsinc; homosexualagenda; moralabsolutes
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-39 next last
A Catholic school in Waukesha County is the first non-profit group in the nation to cancel a coveted American Girl Fashion Show amid concerns that the Wisconsin-based doll company behind the show gives money to a national girls organization that presents abortion, contraception and a lesbian sexual orientation as acceptable.

Well done!!!

1 posted on 10/30/2005 6:15:07 AM PST by Diago
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Coleus; Salvation; Antoninus; Siobhan; NYer; little jeremiah; narses; Calpernia
A Catholic school in Waukesha County is the first non-profit group in the nation to cancel a coveted American Girl Fashion Show amid concerns that the Wisconsin-based doll company behind the show gives money to a national girls organization that presents abortion, contraception and a lesbian sexual orientation as acceptable.

PING!!!

2 posted on 10/30/2005 6:19:37 AM PST by Diago (http://www.freekatie.net/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diago
Search for American Girl with all the articles posted on FR

Some politicians entangled in this too! Maybe we can unelect them.

3 posted on 10/30/2005 6:23:25 AM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diago

Because of the publicity this is getting it is very important that folks call and complain. This is a big, big test of the strength of the pro-life movement:

Call 1-800-845-0005 to complain.




Two alternatives:

http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/about/


http://faith.edu/bookstore/gifts/doll.htm






Mattel Chairman Bob Eckert -
Jules.Andres@mattel.com
American Girl President Ellen Brothers - ellen.brothers@americangirl.com
Public Relations Susan Jevens -
susan.jevens@americangirl.com

Please tell American Girl (owned by Mattel) you are disappointed that they are now aligning themselves with Girls Inc., a pro-abortion, pro-lesbian advocacy group.

You can also contact: Ellen L. Brothers, President, American Girl, 8400 Fairway Place, Middleton, WI 53562, Tel: 1-800-845-0005, Fax: 608-828-4790.


4 posted on 10/30/2005 6:24:00 AM PST by Diago (http://www.freekatie.net/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Diago

Thanks for the ping!


5 posted on 10/30/2005 6:25:10 AM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

Uh oh. Someone else needs to cancel a show:

http://www.licatholic.org/diocese/locals.htm

Long Island school and educational programs calendar



An American Girl Fashion Show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6 at 11 a.m. and at 4 p.m. in Our Lady of Hope School, Middle Village, Queens. The show is co-sponsored by Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Lindenhurst, and Our Lady of Hope School. The show will feature both historical and contemporary fashions. Proceeds will benefit the two schools. For tickets and information call Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parents Association, 631-884-2960.


6 posted on 10/30/2005 6:28:19 AM PST by Diago (http://www.freekatie.net/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Diago

The school hopes to raise $10,000 to $30,000. An internet campaign to donate a few bucks seems to be in order:


"Organizers had planned to mail invitations to more than 20,000 American Girl doll owners in a wide region. They had hoped to raise at least $10,000 - and perhaps $30,000 or more - through ticket and raffle sales, business sponsorships, and a percentage of sales of American Girl's dolls, books, clothes and other products, said the event's co-chairwomen, Marisa Beffel of Brookfield and Catherine Valentyn of the town of Brookfield."

http://www.stlukebrookfield.org/

Father Frank Malloy
St. Luke
Catholic Church
18000 W. Greenfield Ave.
Brookfield, WI 53045-6615


7 posted on 10/30/2005 6:39:14 AM PST by Diago (http://www.freekatie.net/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Diago
The cost is too high. Our integrity isn't for sale.

Good for them. I wish more Catholics, including Catholic politicians, would actually be taught, believe and stand up for what the Church teaches, rather than work for the opposite.

8 posted on 10/30/2005 6:47:13 AM PST by Unam Sanctam
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diago; GatorGirl; maryz; afraidfortherepublic; Antoninus; Aquinasfan; livius; goldenstategirl; ...

+


9 posted on 10/30/2005 7:18:22 AM PST by narses (St Thomas says “lex injusta non obligat”)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Unam Sanctam

Does anyone have the contact information for the parish that stood up to American Girl? They are the ones I want to contact and congratulate. Their integrity is not for sale? I am so impressed.


10 posted on 10/30/2005 7:19:10 AM PST by bboop (Facts are your friend.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Diago

OK -- now the contact info is posted. Freepers, we need to write letters of support to this parish. And they were going to use the money for a playground. I think I will send them a donation, too. Courageous integrity is an uncommon virtue, and they sacrificed a lot to stand by their principles. Very cool.


11 posted on 10/30/2005 7:26:17 AM PST by bboop (Facts are your friend.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Diago

Additional contact info:

Rev. Francis X. Malloy, fmalloy@stlukebrookfield.org

Rectory: (262) 782.0032 phone
(262) 782.6057 fax

I am faxing a letter -- they can post it and encourage many.


12 posted on 10/30/2005 7:30:28 AM PST by bboop (Facts are your friend.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Diago

BTTT!


13 posted on 10/30/2005 7:37:07 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Diago
The cost is too high. Our integrity isn't for sale.

Woo Hoo! BUMP!

14 posted on 10/30/2005 7:39:08 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diago

Sent to:

Mattel Chairman Bob Eckert - Jules.Andres@mattel.com
American Girl President Ellen Brothers - ellen.brothers@americangirl.com
Public Relations Susan Jevens - susan.jevens@americangirl.com


Subject Line: Girls Inc. support and ultimate loss of business

Dear Mr. or Mz xxx,

How did your company make such a gross business miscalculation? I’m sure you’ll stand your ground and make public statements to the effect it has not had a negative impact on your business. But it will. You know it will take some time to show up in your bottom line.

Actually I’d like to thank you for your side by side stand with Girls Inc. It has allowed me to reopen a dialogue with my three daughters. Each daughter has several of your dolls.

They have all three decided to ceremoniously throw them away. Not sell, them … not give them away … but to destroy them.

Here are the demographics.

Daughter #1 – Honor student (freshman) at xxx University studying to be an elementary teacher.
Daughter #2 – National Merit Scholar and a senior in High School. Being courted by Ivy League Universities.
Daughter #3 – Freshman in high school and right on their heels academically.

They all three find your monetary and public support of abortion and lesbian sexual orientation as unacceptable. They feel you are now directly responsible for great harm to females in general.

Enough said. Look for your products in trash cans throughout the United States and elsewhere. What an INCREDIBLE blunder on your part. Whoever made this marketing decision needs to be canned. Your company will suffer because of it.

My name
My City, My State


15 posted on 10/30/2005 7:43:12 AM PST by schaketo (Not all who wander are lost)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diago
"As for us, it's a bargain we'll just have to pass up. The cost is too high. Our integrity isn't for sale."

Oooh rah! I love that kind of talk.
Especially when it is backed up with actions.

16 posted on 10/30/2005 7:54:37 AM PST by Bloody Sam Roberts (If you decide to kick the tiger in the ass...you'd better be prepared to deal with the teeth.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diago
This is my parish: Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Lindenhurst 210 South Wellwood Avenue

Lindenhurst, NY 11757-4989

Rectory Telephone Number: 631-226-7725

Rectory Fax Number: 631-225-9597

Pastor: Rev. Monsignor Daniel S. Hamilton

Monsignor Hamilton is very straight arrow and may cancel as more complaints come in.

17 posted on 10/30/2005 8:00:57 AM PST by alisasny (Liberal UTOPIA rains down in New Orleans Way to go)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Diago

Very good news, will ping it out later.

People like Good News!


18 posted on 10/30/2005 8:14:46 AM PST by little jeremiah
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Diago
"The cost is too high. Our integrity isn't for sale."

Good for Father Malloy. Well said.

BTW, yesterday was our daughter's 10th birthday. On previous birthdays, we had given her gifts from AG. Not this year.

And Christmas isn't looking very likely, either.

19 posted on 10/30/2005 9:24:00 AM PST by Charles Henrickson (Former AG customer)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: All

The text of Father Malloy's message in the parish bulletin. Its PDF:

http://www.stlukebrookfield.org/parish/103005.pdf


20 posted on 10/30/2005 9:48:51 AM PST by Diago (http://www.freekatie.net/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-39 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson