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Try Harder

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It's a sad day when people have to try and make money by lying to millions about doing it for a good cause.

Back in 2006, rock star musician Sting held a charity concert at Carnegie Hall in order to help save the world's rainforests.

The celebrity packed event helped to raise Millions! So you would think all went well?

Hardly!

According to charity watchdogs and a review of tax records, it was uncovered that even though millions were made in the concert, less than half of that money went to forest saving charities.

A spokesperson for Charity Navigator, said this charity event "would fall to the bottom of the bucket," as almost all charity events give about 75% or more from the money raised.

So it's no surprise that Sitng's Rainforest Foundation in New York is rated one of the worst charities.

The next of Sting's annual concerts is set to take place this Thursday, with the lineup including Billy Joel and James Taylor among others.

But why bother donating if they're keeping most of the money?

Another issue people are having problems with is the hoarding of donations by Sting's charity, which in 2006 reported $10 million in assets (keeping almost $5 million in cash). Charities rarely keep more than is need to pay a year's worth of expenses.

The director from the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance said, "What are they doing with the money? They have more than five times what they would normally spend in a year in reserves."

Sting started his charity with his wife and a Belgian photographer, Jean Pierre Dutilleux, back in 1989.

Although Sting would not return requests for a comment, as would no one from the charity's office in New York, Dutilleux did comment.

He says, "I have kept quiet for almost 20 years, hoping for improvement. But enough is enough. Everything is true or worse."

Shady!!! Wonder how it could be worse??? Speak Dutilleux, speak!

[Image via WENN.]

    Posted: May 5, 2008 at 11:49 am / Email this  »
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    70 comments to “Try Harder”

    1. lorryve says – reply to this


      1

      "So it's no surprise that Sitng's Rainforest Foundation in New York is rated one of the worst charities."

      You spelled STING wrong just and F.Y.I.

    2. lala says – reply to this


      2

      ooooh shady!! (first?)

    3. danka says – reply to this


      3

      first

    4. rockstarlvr says – reply to this


      4

      .
      .
      I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS, HE IS NASTY AND HAS A SHITTY VOICE!

    5. Hey tubby...no one cares! says – reply to this


      5

      yawn…

    6. Trin says – reply to this


      6

      If any of this is true - SHAME on Sting…he has millions over and over - he should be watching them more carefully…or have Trudy do it

    7. xena says – reply to this


      7

      All charity are scams !
      Ever noticed they never cure the problem ?

    8. Susan says – reply to this


      8

      Sting!! U rock!

    9. a-money says – reply to this


      9

      first!

    10. Stuart Copeland says – reply to this


      10

      Sting is a cocky son of a bitch, which translate into insecure wanker. Trudi is a horse face jackass

    11. Porterville CA says – reply to this


      11

      AND THE RICH GET RICHER…….

    12. ? says – reply to this


      12

      HORRIBLE. Get this in check!

      That whole 'SAVE THE WORLD' all went to the African mililtary!!!

    13. mewonover says – reply to this


      13

      FIRST BITCHES

    14. b says – reply to this


      14

      1

    15. most charities suck says – reply to this


      15

      I get hit up by people every year for the SF AIDS ride, & SO much of the money raised pays the CEO's $200,000 salary, PLUS all of the expense involve in giving all the riders a great "summer camp" experience. WHAT A WASTE OF $$$. BUT you have to say yes & give them $, because otherwise you look selfish. for not 'HELPING'. Very little of the $ raised actually reached the people who need it most. ($200,000 pays for a lot of perscription meds)

    16. tbelle says – reply to this


      16

      check out what Roger Freidman has to say about it at Fox411

    17. jeff says – reply to this


      17

      First?

    18. How low can Sting get says – reply to this


      18

      I can't believe he exploited the good will of people and kept most of the money to himself! How selfish and worst- it's exploitation!

      I remember when he fired a cook or a nanny after she got pregnant and she had to take him to court to get proper compensation.
      Some people are unbelievable.

    19. accharvey says – reply to this


      19

      If you want to give to charity, give to ST Judes Childrens and research hospital. 100% goes to treating and rearching cures for all types of cancer and childhood diseases. Treatment there is free to every child and their family gets financial aid as well. You can't find a more worthwile charity.

    20. cici says – reply to this


      20

      wow …thats just plain shady sting ….shame on u

    21. daisy says – reply to this


      21

      What an asshole, that is so wrong, do not scam charity

    22. your sexual chocalote xo0x says – reply to this


      22

      well back in the day as a young hip teen i worshiped sting. he was my life my everything mi corazon es tuyo sting. life without you i would nearly fAINT. i feel as if over the pass 20 years weve grown enterment and closer throw your sexual song lyrics and when i look at your sexy bod in a speedo running across a beach like david hasselhoff in heat it makes me feel like juelz santana in the make it work for you video boy ima show you how to make that crackkkkk. that boy got that crack " yo " anyhow sting love you mucho xo0ox hugs and kisses your biggest fan grace rao xo0o0x

      my aim is graCesOofliix hit me up anytime for free sexuaol activieis and i also enjoy being WAMMED up the colita on saturday nights in the means streets of washington heights

      xo0ox i still love you sting you sexual fox u
      MUAAAHHZ
      graceypooxo0ox0x

    23. Yup. says – reply to this


      23

      His wife is billed as speaking in my city soon on what they are advertising as 'The Power Within for Women', along with Dr. Mehmet Ox, Mia Farrow, and three other women speakers. Trudie Styler is headlined under 'Inspiration', and is listed as actress, director, producer, and humanitarian. I can't remember seeing her act in anything, and I know she's directed and produced a thing or two, but I can't name those either, and humanitarian seems to be covered here (see above), and I hope they will satisfactorily explain themselves. What I DO remember is that Sting moved in with Styler shortly after the birth of his second child by his then wife.

    24. Honey says – reply to this


      24

      thats just sad when a charity that has big names endorsing it and they cant even give the charity all the money. You think that these people that make millions for every show or concert that they do could atlest make sure money that they are raising for a charity could make it to the ones that need it. it all wines down to greed on the part of the other parties involved and in the end the losers are the ones the money is to help.

    25. trix says – reply to this


      25

      Perez, you're such a hypocrite!!! That Brangelina creature does the same thing with their bogus charities (which they receive most of the benefits) and all you do is kiss their lyin', thievin' asses. Shame on YOU!!!!!

    26. zach says – reply to this


      26

      Perez you fat fuck why don't you start a charity if Sting is suck a creep. Isn't there a poorly dressed child somewhere for you to pick on?

    27. ana lucia almeida says – reply to this


      27

      Olá, adoro, site perez hilton, nós brasileiros adoramos fofocas das celebridades principalmente de hollywood e se for com humor melhor ainda.um grande bjos. perez.

    28. LeeAnne says – reply to this


      28

      Sting is a smug, self-important and self-serving twat. He and his skanky wife were ordered by courts to pay £25,000 to their former cook. Sting & haggy wife became very abusive towards the cook when, after eight years of endless hours and hard work, the couple found out the cook had become pregnant and might need some time off. I am not surprised their is something shady going on with his charity.

    29. SO WHAT........ says – reply to this


      29

      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      ya, well at least he's given $5million to charity, how much have you given, or all other "rock star musicians" SHUT UP BEEEEEATCH
      STING IS KING!!!!!

    30. Vanessa-Houston,Tx says – reply to this


      30

      What an ASSHOLE!!!!

    31. Just Wondering says – reply to this


      31

      Aren't there criterion that have to be met regarding disbursement for an organization to enjoy tax exempt or charitable status with the IRS?

    32. Drake says – reply to this


      32

      What up man im looking so freaken fly to day none of yall busters is freasher than im is oh back to the topic sad sting just sad now back to me im the best hottest finest brother on this sight rite now now thats whats up.

    33. Hehe. says – reply to this


      33

      Charity begins at home.

    34. Fo Realz says – reply to this


      34

      They need to check out Bono next. He is cheap and greedy.

    35. Mother Thereza says – reply to this


      35

      Nice work if you can get it.

    36. RobinMI says – reply to this


      36

      >
      WAIT A MINUTE. Do you understand how professional "charities" work? This is WAY better than organizations like UNITED WAY, that pays its CEO MILLIONS, and only about 6% of donations REACH THOSE IN NEED! (they are one of the worst). Professional fund raising organizations that raise money for charities are NOTORIOUS for paying themselves FIRST and then a little trickles down to those that are supposed to receive the funds. If Sting's organization got even 40% to the rain forest, he is way above average in getting funds to the charity. Those organizations that solicite via phone and mail will often only pay pennies on the dollar from contributions. Remember that next time you decide to drop those coins in the jar next to the cash register, and give a check to a postal solicitation. I'm not against giving, but lets get the dollars to the people in need, not pay the "directors" or CEOs MILLIONS.

    37. Charity 101 says – reply to this


      37

      Re: RobinMI – Well, if the spokesperson for Charity Navigator is accurate, stating above that 'Sting's charity, which in 2006 reported $10 million in assets (keeping almost $5 million in cash),' then what you're saying is that 50 to 55% of donations is better than the 6% figure that you put forth, which sounds incorrect. Where do you get that 6% figure? Is it ok to keep half just because other charities use the money for overhead and keep people employed? They will be looked at, like any other organization. If they can substantiate their figures and their giving, then so be it, and it may educate the public on the charity business. It's not good when the director from the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance is saying the types of things as above.

    38. Christine says – reply to this


      38

      I always liked Sting. His wife… not so much. After reading this I will NEVER donate to anything he's involved with. What a couple of douchebags! I can't wait to hear what Dutilleux has to say!

    39. So what?? says – reply to this


      39

      *
      *
      *
      So fucking what? I am sitting in the middle of a forest, stuck in my tent, checking my crackberry, because of a massive rain storm. This sucks. I want to go hiking. Rain and forests DO NOT belong together. Fuck.
      *
      *
      *

    40. I HATE Trudy Styler.. says – reply to this


      40

      It's no wonder we find out they're keeping most of the money! Sting's wife, Trudy Styler is NOTORIOUS for abusing their help. One poor pregnant woman that they hired to be a nanny to the kids, ended up cooking meals for everybody at their beck and call, and this poor woman worked 14 hour days while she was pregnant…and was verbally abused by Sting's witch of a wife..and I'm sure Sting knew about it too, and did nothing??
      After that revelation…they rate below 0 in my book…and I used to like him.
      I hope they get in a shitload of trouble for defrauding this charity!!

    41. Squibnocket says – reply to this


      41

      Hey, if James Taylor knew that was going on, I positive that he would not appear to perform!!!

    42. mega says – reply to this


      42

      This is why I thourghouly check out any charities I give to - and everyone should do the same. I'm all for making money - but a CHARITY should give at least 90% of the money it takes in (10% for operating expenses is OK) in order for it to be a true charity or worthy of a donation. Many celebs use charities as a way to get good press, when in fact it is just another way for them to make money or distribute it to their friends. This really stinks, Sting should be ashamed of himself, but of course he'll blame it all on his accountants or something…

    43. Loki says – reply to this


      43

      Fucking retards! Something for charit is better than nothing for charity! Don't just single Sting out for this…there are so many charities that give back next to nothing, but they are registered as charities and can give something back to charity. Pretty sick, but that's the way it goes!

    44. mega says – reply to this


      44

      Re: RobinMI – Yeah, I HATE the United Way - they are the worst - and when I worked in the corporate world I hated how they would recruit people at the company to get donations deducted from our check ever month, and used high-pressure tactics to get the direct withdrawls. Everyone should know the United Way gives only a small fraction (6% i believe is close to correct) to the causes they support. Their staff is grossly overpaid. Give money directly to people in need vs. United Way or find an organization that gives 90% or better of ALL donations or income, Make A Wush foundation gives 100%. it can be done.

    45. O says – reply to this


      45

      TRULY SHAMEFUL AND DISGUSTING. . . AND SADLY, ALMOST UNSURPRISING.

    46. Natalie says – reply to this


      46

      Sting is an asshole! He performed at concert in Turkey at Ephuesus, at famous histroical sight and was told not to play his speakers, that he didn't need them, he did and it caused 2,000 year old coloums on one side of the Atrium to collaspe!! He said that he would give them another free concert, which he never has and never paid any type of money even for repairs!! Dick wad!

    47. Ellen B says – reply to this


      47

      Perez baby, I run a non-profit and would love to have that kinda dime. The gov't doesn't want non-profits to make money - that would be called a business. Don't be surprised if the IRS doesn't come knocking on Sting's door! I can always trust that you are on the lookout for bad operators! :)

    48. zpup says – reply to this


      48

      If this is true, it's another example of why this world is in the shape that it is. There is a type of people that believe that they deserve all the world has and that they never have enough; always needing more toys, more $$$. Sting will get going good with GWB family and the other not worth S#$T CEOs in this world. Oh yeah, don't I look hot?!! I must be worth all this and more… So sad for the rest of us….

    49. realist says – reply to this


      49

      It's a tax shelter, that's what. Private charities can't save the rainforest anyway. The government of Brazil has to, or it won't get saved. I'll bet he started off with good intentions and then got quagmired in the hopelessness of it all.

    50. john says – reply to this


      50

      This is EXACTLY like the fraudulent State PIRG groups! They go under about 75 different names and eat all the money they raise. Names they go under: Environment California, CalPIRG, NYPIRG, New Jersey PIRG, OSPIRG, COPIRG, WISPIRG, etc. THEY ARE TOTAL THIEVES AND CROOKS WHO ALSO ABUSE THEIR WORKERS TO BOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      WWW.FFPIR.INFO

    51. george says – reply to this


      51

      THIS IS JUST LIKE THE STATE PIRG GROUPS!!!!!!!!!!! They are crooks and liars who abuse their workers!

    52. Confucius says – reply to this


      52

      Many accolades and prestige go along with organizing and giving large amounts of charity, but along with that, any group must expect the responsibility of transparency, as many people believe in you and entrust their money with you, thus expect it to get where it should be going. I'm sure they'll address these statements in some fashion.

    53. Rain Man says – reply to this


      53

      Sting is a knobhead, why is anyone surprised by this?? no wonder he is so rich, he can't have made that much money since The Police split up as his solo work was shit

    54. More about the PIRG groups says – reply to this


      54

      Re: john – TRUE- When you give $ to the CALPIRG or whatever PIRG group, most of the $ you give them goes to pay the salary/commission of the person you are dealing with. These groups make their money by SELLING YOU NAME/CONTACT INFORMATION to other groups. Mailing lists are valuable!
      THIS IS THE WORST POSSIBLE WASTE OF WHAT YOU THINK IS A CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION.

    55. Boobs says – reply to this


      55

      That is why people have charities . . . it is a legal white collar crime. People can give any percentage that they choose to a charity and keep the rest.

    56. The English suck... says – reply to this


      56

      …when it comes to $$$. They are all cheap bastards. English men in particular are some of the most lying, scheming, conniving bastards. They will do anything for a buck and fool everybody with their "delightful" accents.

    57. BONO SUCKS IT & SWALLOWS says – reply to this


      57

      Re: Fo Realz –
      ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      BONO IS THE BIGGEST FAKER OF THEM ALL!!!
      HE GETS TONS OF FREE EXPOSURE & PUBLICITY WITH HIS "CHARITY" BULLSHIT THAT LEADS THE IDIOTS TO BUY HIS SHIT CALLED "U2 MUSIC" PWAJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
      BONO MUST DIE

    58. carl says – reply to this


      58

      Oh, this such a classic liberal scam. They guilt you into contributing to saving this or that and they keep the money. How many rainforests have been saved thanks to these concerts??? Answer: zero!!

    59. Pffft. says – reply to this


      59

      Re: carl – This could be a scam for any party from what I've seen; money hoarding actually leans more to the right, with a liberal cover page paint job. Your agenda is showing. Zip it up.

    60. Jessi says – reply to this


      60

      And we're supposed to be surprised? How else is he supposed to support that huge-egoed wife of his? She needs to keep up with the latest fashions, and hire as many servants as possible to wait on her.

    61. jessi says – reply to this


      61

      Re: accharvey –
      AMEN to that.

    62. AMO says – reply to this


      62

      What a douche. Does anyone like him? I just don't get the appeal.

    63. Jessica says – reply to this


      63

      Its not true that foundations give away all of their assets except for operating costs. By law a foundation is only supposed to give away 5% of its assets, the rest is held in 'endowment' is invested and gains interest (hopefully) so that the foundation can continue to make grants to non-profits as long as the foundations charter says it should operate. Look at the Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation, they have billions but do not give out that much - they would no longer exist if they gave all of their assets away. Get educated people!

    64. ma says – reply to this


      64

      Now let's just imagine how much money Bono Vox keeps to himself.

    65. Natalie says – reply to this


      65

      Sting still rocks!

      fcuk you haters

    66. Hi Natalie says – reply to this


      66

      Re: Natalie –
      FCUK YOU TOO

    67. Allie says – reply to this


      67

      I'm sorry, but that's called a record company. Not Sting's fault.

    68. mittenfreak says – reply to this


      68

      If you live like Mick Jagger, and tour less than Ozzie,
      buy castles as studios… why not live off the profiit of people
      trying to save the planet. He pushed so hard to get people to donate,
      guilted everyone watching MTV, VH1 into donating… were not talking about donations from corporations, but donations from students, amounting to millions?
      " ..Your face will turn to allibaster. You will find you student is your master."
      -Stuart Copeland

      I can only hope that sonehow the money can be redirected.
      Stealing from students… he belongs in jail. He will slip out somehow.
      London is a huge tax haven. Perez.. where are the thumb nails and
      screws I lent you for the Gala last night…?:::: May the monies be
      redireted and the fiscal maladies cause Stings face to crumble.
      Karma is a bitch. Sting .. karma's knocking.

      I hope they nail his ass for this.

    69. Callie says – reply to this


      69

      I give to Oxfam America. They do awesome work in the usa and areound the world and the charity navigator rates them really well. www.oxfamamerica.org

    70. kitty says – reply to this


      70

      yeah they are all such great people…..like his wife trudi firing the pregnant employee & then gets her ass sued & has to pay the woman….telling the world to turn their lights off as they step into their private jetstream……..none of these people live a normal life & their carbon imprint is probably 1,000 times greater than the average person…..THEY SHOULD ALL FUCK OFF & SHUT UP & DONATE THEIR OWN $$$$$ CHRIST KNOWS THEY ALL HAVE IT,,…….fucking celebrities are so full of shit,.