odom, kardashian charity scam? ESPN Uncovers Shady Charity

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom implicated in suspected Charity Scam

An ESPN investigation has linked Khloe Kardashian and her basketball playing husband Lamar Odom with a possible charity scam based around Odom’s Cathy’s Kids foundation.

The foundation was established following the 2004 death of Lamar Odom’s mother from stomach cancer with a clearly stated mission to fund cancer research and help underprivileged children.

According to the Huffington Post, on Lamar and Khloe’s joint eBay page, it states that “[Cathy’s Kids] was developed as a means for Lamar to streamline all his charitable efforts and focus on making a positive impact on the lives of under-privileged children, as well as targeting a disease that has played a significant role in his life, cancer.”

A second eBay page found by ESPN makes no mention of cancer research in its detailing of the work undertaken by Kathy’s Kids. Despite being described as a Lamar Odom foundation Kardashian is actively involved in the charity for which she auctions clothes.

“Lamar lost his mother to stomach cancer and subsequently is committed to help causes that are focused on finding a cure and helping people who suffer from the disease,” their site goes on to say.

Despite raising around $2.2 million in its eight years of existence the charity has yet to fund any cancer research, although it has funded youth basketball teams to the tune of $1.3 million.

The ESPN investigation seems to highlight problems with the mission statement of the Cathy’s Kids charitable foundation that makes clear promises to fund research into curing cancer.

Cathy’s Kids is described as offering both educational and recreational activities for underprivileged youths, but has so far only funded two basketball based programs for children.

is this a charity scam or just a poorly run organization?

According to Vibe magazine, it’s not just the Odom, Kardashian charity scam that ESPN identified – Alex Rodriguez, Randy Moss and dozens of other sports stars are allegedly involved in charities that don’t actually give their money to charitable causes.

A request for comment made to both Lamar and Khloe’s reps.

Lamar Odom, Khloe Kardashian Charity Scam? Why Their Cancer Research Cause Raises Questions
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/lamar-odom-khloe-kardashian-charity-scam_n_2994075.html

Athlete charities often lack standards
http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9109024/top-athletes-charities-often-measure-charity-experts-say-efficient-effective-use-money

Odom, Kardashian Charity Scam? Celeb Cancer Charity Is Bunk
http://www.vibe.com/article/Odom-Kardashian-Charity-Scam