Kars4Kids Ordered to Halt Jingle in California: Violations of False Advertising Laws
Kars4Kids, a nonprofit organization known for its catchy jingle featuring children dancing and singing, has been ordered to stop broadcasting the jingle in California. The ruling came from Judge Gassia Apkarian of the Superior Court of California in Orange County, who found that the organization violated the state’s false advertising and unfair competition laws. The lawsuit was filed by a California man who argued that the ad misled donors about where the proceeds of their donations were going.
The judge ruled that Kars4Kids cannot use the jingle in California unless the ads include an explicit disclosure of the organization’s religious affiliation. The nonprofit has 30 days to comply with the ruling and stop broadcasting in California. The ads, which have been on the airwaves for over 20 years, were found to be misleading by omission, violating California’s false advertising law.
Kars4Kids responded to the ruling, stating that they believe it is flawed and that they are a Jewish organization, as clearly stated on their website. They accused the lawsuit of being a lawyer-driven attempt to divert charitable funds for personal gain and expressed confidence in prevailing on appeal. The lawsuit was filed by a man who donated a car to Kars4Kids expecting the proceeds to benefit children in California, only to later find out that the funds were directed to a Jewish organization in New York.
As part of the ruling, Kars4Kids was ordered to pay the donor $250, the estimated value of the car. The organization has facilitated the donation of over 500,000 cars and primarily funds another nonprofit organization called Oorah, which operates Orthodox summer camps and organizes trips to Israel for teenagers. Kars4Kids serves as Oorah’s main funding source, sending over $45 million annually, according to the chief operating officer of Kars4Kids.
In conclusion, Kars4Kids has been directed to cease broadcasting its jingle in California due to violations of false advertising and unfair competition laws. The organization has been given 30 days to comply with the ruling, which requires an explicit disclosure of its religious affiliation in ads. The lawsuit was filed by a donor who felt misled about where the proceeds of his donation were going, leading to the court’s decision against Kars4Kids.