FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2004

CONTACT:

Diane Gramley (814) 271-9078 or (814) 437-5355

Bud Press Christian Research Service

Judy Stone (Make-A-Wish Foundation) (800) 676-9474

Western Pennsylvania Make-A-Wish Foundation Stlll Involved with Porn

(Pittsburgh)-- Today, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), exposed the continued connection between the Pittsburgh Comicon and the Western PA Make-a-Wish Foundation (MAWF). Apparently MAWF sees no harm in accepting money from events at the Comicon, even though pornographic videos and magazines are available there.

An e-mail sent today to Judy Stone of MAWF, urged them to drop their association with the Pittsburgh Comicon. It said in part: "It (dropping association) would send a clear message to your supporters, to the children and their families that pornography is harmful and your organization will have nothing to do with its promotion."

"Although there were no Playboy Bunnies at the Comicon during this year's three-day event, Acid Poptart--a nude model and Jasmine St. Claire--were there. Many times children are the victims of those who consume pornography. MAWF does much good for children, but accepting money from an event where porn is readily available sends the message that porn is harmless and victimless," Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA said

(source: www.pittsburghcomicon.com/guests2004.html ).

During a phone conversation with Judy Stone last year, she stated that they could not have their name (MAWF) associated with something that had porn stars, because all they had was their reputation. The concern for their reputation this year apparently led in great efforts to hide the continued association between the MAWF and the Pittsburgh Comicon. The All Ages Casino Night and the Giant Charity Auction never appeared on the MAWF events calendar. Up until about four weeks ago, the MAWF was listed on the Pittsburgh Comicon's website as the recipient of the proceeds from both events--then that disappeared.

Sources:

www.wishwesternpa.org/i/calendar

www.pittsburghcomicon.com/charity.html

"Make-a-Wish is obviously very concerned about their connections with the Pittsburgh Comicon or why the attempt to cover-up their partnership?" observed Gramley.

A look at the Comicon's program guide makes it quite clear that the intended recipient of the proceeds from the All Ages Casino Night and the Giant Charity Auction is the Make-a-Wish Foundation!

On April 30, Bud Press, a Christian Investigative Researcher, attempted to contact Judy Stone via phone concerning their continued partnership with the Pittsburgh Comicon. As of today, May 3, there has been no reply.

Gramley continued, "It is very disturbing that parents cannot take their children to a comic book convention without fear of exposure to Playboy or other pornography. It is even more disturbing that an organization such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which works closely with children, cannot see the harm they are doing by benefiting from such an event. We are again urging the MAWF to do what is right and break its partnership with the Pittsburgh Comicon."

Press said that when a children's charity affiliates itself with an event that welcomes children "Under 8 free with admission" and promotes pornographic materials at the same time, it damages the charity's reputation and places innocent, impressionable children at risk.

"Apparently," said Press, "the MAWF of WPA isn't concerned with what or who the event promotes, as long as the money rolls in."

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Revised 7/27/04

Bud Press is a Christian Investigative Researcher and the Director of Christian Research Service. As a service to the body of Christ he provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to individuals, companies, pro-family groups, outreach ministries and the Christian news media.

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