Tell Toys"R"Us NOT to Support Autism Speaks!

Christine_Rogers · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 2:06 am Post subject:

Please go to Change.org and sign this petition if you hate Autism Speaks as much as I do! And pass it ON!!!

http://www.change.org/actions/view/tell_toysrus_inc_not_to_support_autism_speaks

The letter-

Please Stop Supporting Autism Speaks

Greetings, Mr. Gerald L. Storch CEO, Mr. Clay Creasey CFO, Ms. Claire Babrowski EVP, Ms. Deborah Derby EVP, Mr. Dan Caspersen EVP, Mr. David J. Schwartz,

I am writing this letter with deep concern of your company's decision to support and collect money for the organization known as "Autism Speaks". I visited a local Babies"R"Us location here in San Diego today and was asked if I would like to donate to "Autism Speaks" while I made my purchase. I was completely shocked. I am shocked that a large company such as yours would continue to lend support to "Autism Speaks" (and thus forward their policies and messages on Autism). Dozens of organizations, parents of children with Autism, and adult Autistics themselves have spoken out passionately against "Autism Speaks". That in and of itself would lead one to question your position of support of "Autism Speaks". More concerning is their status as a charity at all. Taken from their own website the information of their 2009 IRS 990 detailing their income and spending:

Geraldine Dawson, Chief Science Officer - Salary: $669,751
Mark Roithmayer, President - Salary: $400,413
Peter Bell, Executive Vice President - Salary: $265,981
Glenn Tringali, Executive Vice President - Salary: $255,256
Alison Tepper Singer, Executive Vice President - Salary: $201,942
Amount Spent on Travel: $2,873,667
Credit Card and Banking Fees: $989,344
Premiums: $1,452,807
Management Fees: $2,038,024
Advertising and Promotion: $2,108,778
Temporary Help: $718,686
Income: $65,826,829
GRANTS PAID OUT: $27,593,390

In fact "Autism Speaks" is NOT even a recommended charity by the Better Business Bureau:

http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/human-services/autism-speaks-in-new-york-ny-1456

I am sure your company means well. I am sure Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us are trying to spread awareness and help to Autistic children and families in our country, and as a mother of two young Autistic children I thank you most heartily for your effort. However, I must beg you to reconsider the organization in which you have chosen to do this. Please reconsider and choose a more reputable charity or organization, such as Autism Society for America or many others. Just please, PLEASE, do not choose "Autism Speaks".

Most Sincerely,
Christine Rogers
San Diego, CA

Please see attached the signatures and letters also asking you to stop supporting "Autism Speaks".