By chiefwino

March 11, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this

Thank You Michael for your insight and clear, unemotional summary of what is going on. I agree that if Wellness Connection wants to regain some credibility within the community,they need to be more open with their current financial and program status. The attempts by certain individuals to hijack the discussions in this blog by impersonating legitimate writers and using false identities to mislead the general public is an indication of the questionable practices that are being perpetuated. It is always unfortunate when a few people’s egos and emotions get in the way of doing what is morally and ethically right and wind up harming the people and legitimate programs that are trying to benefit the community.

By Michael Brown

March 11, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t know who all you people are posting this stuff, but one thing is for sure, you have it all wrong; the Wellness Connection walked away from the planning committee. In fact in more than one way, they shunned the committee. At the meeting in January, within 15 minutes into it, the board member that was in attendance motioned for his team to leave. He insulted everyone present as he left. This action implied that Wellness Connection (WC) did not want to work with this committee anymore. I believed them. Secondly, you should understand that the committee was asking WC for more transparency. Transparency? Now what’s wrong with that? Especially as requested by people who are acting in your interest by helping to plan an event that helps to keep the doors open. The event committee was looking for a better understanding of the actual charitable work the event benefitted. It has been appearing as of late that Wellness may no longer committed to their original mission and the event was just funding office salaries with very few people being served (I have heard it was less than 20 people that were actually served last year. I would love to know if this is accurate). It has been admitted to me by people who work at Wellness that longtime efforts by Wellness to gain contracts to serve larger numbers have gone unfulfilled. Workout facilities and screening offices that are still being promoted on the WC website have long been closed. The annual report on the WC website is from 2004. Where are the recent reports? The so-called recent newsletter posted on the WC website is from Spring, 2006. What’s up with that? If you call WC to arrange a monthly screening as advertised on their website you are referred to another agency where you get a taped message even during working hours(this would be United Health Solutions, who also has difficulty posting a current annual report — the posted report is from 2006). To anyone with non-tainted eyes, these things send up huge red flags. I think the committee wanted to be sure this was still a worthwhile organization and the requested transparency would either have proved these concerns true or false. The Wellness people did not want transparency of this sort and they stated so. One wonders what they are afraid of? Moving forward, my feeling is that all any of us on the planning committee want is to be part of a successful event that actually serves charitable needs of the Dayton community. Through all of this, I think the committee has acted in good faith but the people at Wellness have not. If one analyzes the e-mail sources of the negative and mostly untruthful comments in this DDN blog one would see that they come from just a few people using different names and attempting to be anonymous. Again if you are in the know, you can see these postings are from people who sit on the WC board, worked at WC, live with people who work at WC, or are their friends or are friends with those who sit on the WC board. Again, what are they afraid of that they need to make wild accusations that are easily proven false? What are they doing? They are attempting to sabotage a decent event that will benefit another non-profit because they were unwilling to share the event and to work with their existing volunteer planning committee that was there to work with them. Additionally, people reading this should know one more thing they did to shun the commttee. Just before the aforementioned ill-fated planning committee meeting in January and because people at Wellness had been forewarned by prominent members of the committee that these events were transpiring—that is, a secondary non-profit was being brought in and transparency was being requested— representatives of Wellness had the audacity to work in secret around their own event planning committee by contacting wine suppliers and retailers to come on board to a new version of Fleurs de Fete. They already were planning an alternative event without this committee. As far as I know, no one i the Dayton wine community succumbed to their requests. I hope you understand my viewpoint is just that of one committee member. I speak for myself and do not attempt to speak for the rest of the committee. I have sat back too long reading about good people being maligned. Arrow, Heidelberg and CultureWorks and the rest of us on the committee have all acted in good faith and in the interests of the Dayton community. We do not deserve these stupid comments. Let me assure you, no one on the planning committee makes money off this event. If any of us in the wine business sold one extra case of wine last year as a result of Fleurs de Fete, we would be lucky. But also be assured the committee has moved on with a new name, a new date and an exciting new beneficiary. The Wellness Connection can have their event in May and I sincerely wish them well with it.

By Culture Works has broken the law

March 10, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t care how you cut it, Culture Works, Arrow Wine and Heidelberg have broke the broke the law and it should be investigated deeper. Who gave out the information from Wellness Connection donors / mailing list? Whoever did and whoever supported them should be punished. That is clearly a misuse of confidential information, donor fraud and theft in office. All three charges are real Ohio Revised Code Laws and all three are criminal acts. I don’t think the Board of Directors of Culture Works realize that they too can be held accountable. The Ohio Attorney General states, clearly that all charity board of directors and its officers are “to keep the organization fiscally sound and ensure that it operates in a fiscally responsible manner.” Also all Board Members are “under a duty to be familiar with the laws that apply to the charity and to comply with those state and federal laws that relate to the charity and its business operations.” Did the leadership of Culture Works, Arrow Wine or Heidelberg; keep the law in mind when they put the volunteers at risk? Don’t think so – or if they did so, then their actions are blatant disregard for the law and for us – the donors they claim to care so much about!

By Make them pay - the right way

March 10, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

Finally, a great idea and food for thought. I agree with the below. If this so called committee “cared” so deeply about the community, donor rights and all the rubbish they claim to have spewed; then why didn’t they pick additional organizations – or try to benefit the smaller restaurants. Simple answer – they don’t care and all they are doing is looking out for “their” best interest. And as far as a “new and improved event” – how, you raised the price and stole a mailing list. Smooth move. What a joke.

By foodwine lover

March 10, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

$75,000 is a lot of money to give one charity, when wellness connection walked out of the meeting, another local charity or two should have been considered to partner with culture works. I love this event but don’t feel comfortable knowing all the proceeds will benefit the arts of the Miami Valley. Restaurant week always chooses two charties to support. Also being in the restaurant industry I feel the restaurants that participate should receive a small kickback to cover a part of their costs. Depending on the food, since the event has grown considerably over the past few years, we donate close to $1200 in product. A couple hundred dollars would help offset some of our costs, especially in this time of crisis.

By Accuracy

March 10, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

hjh, you just hit the nail on the head.

By hjh

March 10, 2009 7:39 AM | Link to this

While Culture Works has certainly acted in an unethical manner probably from day one in all of this, there is one post here that really raises a serious issue. If in fact a mailing list has been stolen, the discussion is on a much different level. Stealing anything is a crime. If this suspicion proves to be true, how do all of the lawyers on the CW board continue to support both the agency and the fiasco surrounding “Fleurs de Vin”? A lawyer is an officer of the court. The matter of the stolen mailing list really must be investigated.

By Fleurs et Vin - not going

March 9, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

I think this is way out of hand. The more I read, I see that an area organization was done wrong and another, who frankly doesnt need the cash; is going to benifit. Why does Cw need yet another event. If anyone is weak in the fundrasing, it’s seems to be Cw and their staff. The wife will be bummed, Oh well; more money for me - beer is better anyway. Back to the Red Cross I go ;o)

By Fraze worker

March 9, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this

Last year the Fraze had a wine fiestival and it was packed. People seem to enjoy the wine offered.

By J

March 9, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

Before you bash the new and improved Fleurs and its organizers (Arrow/Heidelberg) - remember Wellness Connection was their beneficiary. DDN reported that when it was suggested to Wellness Connection that an additional beneficiary was going to be added to this year’s event - Wellness Connection objected, wanting all or nothing. It was Wellness Connection that walked away and have since been completely replaced with a new beneficiary. Sounds like it was Wellness Connection greed that led to the dispute that ended their affiliation with Arrow/Heidelberg and they only have themselves to blame.

By Misdirected funds , for a misdirected event,

March 9, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this

What we are failing to see here is that Culture Works, Arrow Wines , Cork and Barrel and Heidelberg Distributing; are outright deceiving ticket holders, donors and the organizations they seek donations for. They (Culture Works) have publicly stated and told their own board members, they are “…simply being the beneficiaries of this event…” Then why did they hire a person to work on this event? How is adding staff – being a good steward of the donated dollar? I believe general accounting tells us that the addition of staff -increases overhead. Why couldn’t they have done this wilth a volunteer? Isnt Dave Seyer and Denise Rehg, capable and competent to handle the extra duties? Sad, they can’t utilize volunteers – oh wait, they said they do – maybe not to raise money, that would be silly. Wonder when CW’s head will roll on this one. I cant wait to see that happen!! Nice Job DR!

By Wine drinker - get a clue -

March 9, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

Heidelberg Distributing and Arrow Wines are only in it for the money…their OWN and more market base gain. They can afford to hide behind their reporter frind and sit back and watch this all unfold - with out a care. 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.

By gene

March 9, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

i think someone did get a dui or public intox after last years event. where are the cops?

By interesting

March 9, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this

time will tell. as with most things, voting with your wallet will send a powerful message. Not attending the event and boycotting the restaurants would send that message. And with these tough economic times who has $70 to blow on an event that handles itself this way. good luck

By Accuracy

March 9, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

Blanks, it is no surprise that those restaurants agreed. They likely did it at the start of all this when WC was also duped. This January meeting was the FOURTH Fleurs committee meeting. WC had absolutely no indication HB was going to pull this whopper. If they treated WC this way, why should anyone expect them to treat their restaurant donors differently? It really is disheartening. I’ll be curious to learn which restaurants actually stick with this after learning the truth. I won’t be stepping in their door and I won’t hesitate to share my thoughts with my friends.

By blanks

March 9, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

When Mif Frank reports that 25 restaurants and food purveyors have agreed to be part of the Culture Works event in June, I wonder if they were told the truth about the unethical behavior that they are now party to. If not, the principled business people can pull out. It is well to ponder as well if such organizations as the Dayton Opera, the Philharmonic, or the MUSE MACHINE would ever be party to the disgraceful behavior being displayed by an organization whose logo is given prominence by them.

By winedrinker

March 8, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this

frankly, who wants to give to either of those charities? wc has some real issues with viability and cw is a passthrough with too many administrative costs. too bad the food bank isn’t the recipient!

By js

March 8, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

This event is for rich people, and these rich people think it is hip to support things like Culture Works rather than WC. WC got screwed, and rather than take it like a man they cried - all the parties involved are a joke. All the players in this game think they are IMPORTANT. Give me a break. I say don’t attend the event. PROTEST the elite of Dayton!!! I can’t believe they have a wine event to pat each other on the back to “raise” money. My left foot. They do it bc of ego and not charity. If you are a true charitable person you would donate $70 to the homeless shelter.Frick CW.

By blanks

March 8, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

It is not WC that should be investigated. They are the innocent bystanders in this Machiavellian plot to steal an 18 year signature event with equity from countless hours of staff time and financial resources to make this the successful event it is today. Culture Works has stolen the name (almost), the look, the design, and it appears even the mailing list. How did this happen? It is this dishonest and unethical behavior that needs to be investigated.Culture Works’ clients are wealthy patrons of the arts who probably have expensive wine tastes. WCs clients are indigent people with multiple health problems who cannot even afford life-saving medicine-clearly not customers of Arrow Wine and Heidelberg. The bottom line appears to be the same kind of greed and lack of principles that has caused our economic meltdown. It is the needy clients who will suffer. Culture Works should change its name to Culture Sleaze.

By John W

March 8, 2009 11:40 AM | 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 Accuracy

March 7, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

Gary, did I miss something on here? Just read through all this again and not sure I understand where the subject came up that Wellness cut a possible funding program. I’d be curious if they did though and perhaps I missed it. I think they reduced their staff but don’t recall them cutting a program. I think that the point of all this was that WC could NOT afford to cut any possible funding sources which was why they were upset about their current dilemna.

By gary

March 7, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this

My parents always taught me to THINK before I spoke. It sounds and looks like this might have been the case with “Wellness” . There is no winners here but loosers. In the days of budget cuts, you must have a healthy bank roll to have cut this program out of your funding . To the board of directors for wellness connection, I be looking for another development director one who can think and react responsibly!

By DoctorInTraining

March 6, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this

To the “dolts” (that’s a direct quote from another post here) who deny that alcohol consumption causes cancer. You are incorrect. There have been ‘some’ limited studies that indicate that a small consumption of red wine (translated ONLY red wine) MAY reduce the risk of certain cancers. However,alcohol consumption in general, is thought to contribute to a battery of serious cancers, including, but not limited to oral, pancreatic, liver and stomach cancers. People who don’t know their facts should hesitate before insulting others who do on boards like this one.

By Art before Illness - yeah, way to go...SAD

March 6, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

Sad to think that anyone would put their self before others and just want to sell booze. Arrow and H-berg will end up with egg-on—da-face…as well as Cult Works. Sounds like some board members better get a clue.

By T Kidd

March 6, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

Don’t kid yourself, Arrow and H’berg make money off this, somehow someway. More power to ‘em though. Did chiefwino accuse Wellness Connection of misparropriation of fund? If that is true this is a HUGE, GOLD JERRY, GOLD and HUGE Story. Drink Round-teen!

By UrbanDweller

March 6, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this

I’ve never heard of the Wellness Connection but I see Culture Works mentioned in every event program that I attend at the Schuster Center (have Dayton Opera season tickets and attend other events there). I know NCR is a primary corportate sponsor of Culture Works, among others. Culutre Works appears to be getting enough money from other sources. Why do they have to dip into WC’s main source, too?

By chiefwino

March 6, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

It is my understanding from people who were at the fateful meeting in January, that the committee approached Culture Works about coming on board. Therefore I do not believe it is appropriate to slam Culture Works. My real concern is the underlying issue of the viability of Wellness Connection as a worthy charity. I would like to see an independent review by DDN or another body addressing this issue.

By Jeff

March 6, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this

Wellness got greedy and bit the hand that fed them. The so-called “Greedy Corporations” wanted to help an ADDITIONAL cause. You know, “spread the wealth around.” The so-called “Greedy Corporations” DONATE the wine and food that is the basis of the festival. The silent auction items are DONATED for the event. Wellness Connection refused to be part of the charitable act. They wanted ALL of the proceeds. The result is the “Greedy Corporations” again donating thousands of dollars worth of food, wine, and other tiems to support a charitable cause. Hmm… Who is the greedy organization in this situation? I’ll be in attendance and appreciate the charity of all of the corporate partners.

By Gene

March 6, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

They should take up a separate collection at the event for WC - and those who want to support WC should write a check rather than depend on the “getting something” charity that is practiced in this town. If you want to be truly charitable you should not expect to receive anything, including a glass or two of wine. Write the check and be done with it. This event is fun but too often turns into a free-for-all to see who can get the most for their money. People at that point are not being truly charitable. WC should just seek donations from other vendors and include craft beer and just have a cocktail party to raise funds. Heidelberg is not the only distributor in town, and Arrow is not the only retailer. Find other vendors - there are 20 distributors and plenty of retailers who could get involved.

By flipper

March 6, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

I’d rather attend the et Vin rather than the de Fete anyway.

By Accuracy

March 6, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

Correction: the meeting in question was actually the 3rd or 4th one for this years Fleurs. Geez! No wonder Wellness Connection was upset!

By Accuracy

March 6, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

To “Painful Truth” and “Raj”, I think it may be more accurate to say that alcohol “in excess” can lead to cancer and addiction. For those who really are interested in accuracy, the “100% or nothing” quote was a bias one at best. From what I have read in this blog previously, Wellness Connection did not comment about the meeting originally which was a prudent decision. Further, they had no warning that another charity was even being considered, and as the Wellness Connection took out all permits for Fleurs the past 18 years (including the one that was scheduled for 2009)they should have been given prior knowledge. Its not like that meeting was the first discussion about Fleurs either; the meeting in question was the second meeting. Lastly, Culture Works must have had prior knowledge of this whole thing and Wellness Connection was not given the same respect. I would have been pretty upset too. I would hope that helping a non-profit when it is struggling, especially one as worthy as Wellness Connection, is THE time to support them not hurt them.

By Mike

March 6, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Painfultruth - You need to get some education. Moderate alcohol consumption does not cause cancer. In fact it is now a proven fact that moderate alcohol consumption lowers your risk of heart disease by 30%. Many published studies have confirmed this.

By Linda

March 6, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Am I missing something. Why didn’t Culture Works form their own wine event in the fall of the year? I would think there would be enough interest to have two events I would like to see the event back at Fraze Pavilion. It was much nicer when it was there rather than at Carillon.

By Raj

March 6, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

Alcohol doesn’t cause cancer you dolt.

By painfultruth

March 6, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

Alcohol causes cancer, and now that’s a proven fact. How can the “Wellness” people promote wine if it’s a carcinogen? Hipocricy? You bet!

By Cares

March 6, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

If you don’t care about floundering organizations, then you are saying that you don’t care about any not-for-profit - all of them are struggling during this economic downfall. Step up to the plate - support something worthwhile - Like Wellness Connection who provides valuable services for people with heart and cancer - or the foodbank, or St. Vincent’s. I’m very disappointed in Culture Works, and all the companies that are supporting their event - its a fraud! Come on have some integrity! Shame on Culture Works - I love the arts and support them, I’ve been a donor to Culture Works for years but will no longer support them - I’ll give directly to the arts organizations that really touch my heart. People do the right thing for our community - Join the event on May 17th for caregivers - what could be more honorable than celebrating people who care. Better yet call the Wellness Connection and volunteer for their event - make it a huge success!!!! And don’t go to the June event - its a fraud!

By Nunya

March 6, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

It sounds to me that Wellness Connection was being a bit greedy. “100% or nothing”? Let’s face it in this economy there are plenty of non-profit groups out there looking for donations. Wellness Connection should have taken 50% and shared the spotlight.

By Paul

March 6, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this

Let’s face it, who really cares about the Wellness Connection? People just want to get togeather, eat and drink. I could care less about whether the proceeds go to some floundering local charity.

By Nancy

March 6, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

It’s disappointing that any nonprofit organization would want to partner with a group of corporate sponsors who behave this way. While I believe the corporate sponsors intended on doing a “good deed” by “sharing the wealth”, they almost certainly have cut the throat of an organization that was already struggling. Wellness Connection should not be faulted in this series of events, and I’m sad to see Culture Works accept these dollars knowing what has happened.