S W E E T I E S
FYI- Giving the “T” is NeNe Leakes catch phrase. “T”= “Truth”
If you’ve been a reading Nightly Candy for awhile you are familiar with my coverage of the Housewives of Atlanta. Just as the silver fox of news television Anderson Cooper has professed his adoration for the outspoken NeNe Leakes, Nightly Candy has done the same. As recently as last week in my post “Housewives of Atlanta: The Gift that Keeps on Giving” I stated that “NeNe still is my favorite!!” It was true when it was written a week ago but today is a brand new day.
I feel a pit in my stomach like my pet died or something. All-right I don’have a pet of anykind BUT I do have a flare for the dramatic and a yucky taste in my mouth after I reading a ghastly chain of events this morning concerning dear sweet NeNe Leakes.
THE SITCH
aka: The Situation
NeNe @ the Twisted Hearts Foundation Fundraiser
This afternoon on the most popular social networking site used by millions across the globe I came across my friend’s status which read exactly this.
“yesterday morning I woke up wanting to make a real impact, I was feeling really philanthropic..would you believe I tried to make a contribution to the Twisted Hearts Foundation in Atlanta, GA. and I had no luck, I was told ..”Sir, give your money elsewhere, no such entity exist, here in the great state of Georgia!” So I wonder where did Sista NeNe incorporate her foundation? could someone reach out to her and ask her?”
This status was written by a long-time friend of mine (who shall remain nameless because there is no need to drag his reputable good name in this hot mess) . He is the Founder of his own successful Not-for-Profit and sits on the board of several charitable organizations. He sincerely wanted make a monetary contribution to the Twisted Hearts Foundation and was curious as to why he was told it did not exist.
When he asked in his status
“So I wonder where did Sista NeNe incorporate her foundation? could someone reach out to her and ask her?”
the power of the world wide web allowed his question to be answered within less than 5 minutes by an individual who is a colleague/friend of NeNe Leakes. This individual responded to the original status with
“I will txt her in a few for u:”
True to his word this individual contacted NeNe. The following was their exact exchange.
Colleguge of NeNe :Someone I know mentioned on fbk that they tried to make a contribution to Twisted Heart: they wanted to know what state did u incorporate? They were told it doesn’t exist:
NeNe:.. 2 busy 4 the drama! If it doesn’t exist, donate somewhere else! Simple
Colleguge of NeNe: Well he wants to donate…
NeNe: So if u want me to give him the contact info for u I will… If not KEWL
FOOLISH behavior.. That’s all I will say…
I GASP….
That was not the response I would expect from the founder of a Not-for-Profit organization. Since Not-for-Profits thrive on donations such a hostile response was surprising and definitely made me raise my left eyebro serious arch action.
It is not rocket science or a secret that every Not-for-Profit is legally bound to register their organization within their respective state and also with the Federal Government. If indeed Twisted Hearts had all their ducks in a row they would be registered as a 501(c)(3) . This information would be on public record easily accessible to anyone. Unfortunately in the great state of Georgia there is no listing for a Twisted Hearts Foundation. According to some on line chatter on several blogs when Mrs. Leakes was asked about her organization she reportedly said that the name Twisted Hearts was already taken so she would have to re-name it.
The retort that Ms. Leakes gave this morning in response to an inquiry of where a donation can be given to her organization was down right deplorable. It would have understandable if the intention of the question was to berate Nene but all the man wanted to do was to give $$ to her organization. The appropriate response would have been to provide him with an answer .
UNLESS….
there is something going on????
There have been a host of complaints about Twisted Hearts on line. The following are some quotes taken from comments made on blogs in response to questions about The Twisted Hearts foundation.
-” I’m starting to wonder are there any board members?”
-”It doesn’t even list that they are at least a 501 (c) 3 organization but they DO have paypal up and running like clockwork. When I did a search for the organization name, both Georgia and the IRS turn up blank.bout how legit Twisted Hearts Foundation actually is”
-”if you recall she raised $19,200 at her brunch fundraiser event, which was a pretty decent turn out. Where were those checks deposited? Certainly if you have an organization, you have a bank account for the organization, right?”
quotes from : http://www.martiniandscotch.com/2008/12/twisted-hearts-foundation-nene-taking.html
Sigh
It’s just disheartening and not to mention that accepting donations on behalf of an not-for-profit is that doesn’t exist is a punishable offense. To dismiss a sincere potential donor who merely is asking where they should send their hard earned dollars within an economic recession is just wrong. There is no other way to slice it.
I’m holding onto a sliver of hope that this is all a huge misunderstanding that can simply be cleared up. If it is not then I am certain this will not go away lightly because we are all aware that the government likes to make an example out of people.
Tsk.. Tsk.. Tsk..
We most certainly will be following this story.
Night Night
Kristy
August 8, 2009
Once Nene is back on the show……Could someone ask her where’s the foundation!!!!!! Can not be found in the ATL!!!!! Therefore, where’s the money she raised at the fundraiser????? Please let the viewers know. And by the way, Welcome back!
Crystal
May 18, 2010
I looked it up and its registered with the Georgia Secretary of State. it gives an address and who the lessor is and it is listed as Lineshia Leakes(think I spelled it wrong). I just can’t locate the number. We have an orginization here and was trying to get her to host the event and I can’t find a booking agent for her or anything.
unknowntheartist
August 30, 2009
Maybe it’s just all faked for the show.. was wondering where I could find out about it more and could not find a damn thing reputable. Something to do with the husband, perhaps? Entrepreneur is not a particularly specific occupation, is it?
I thought Nene’s idea behind the foundation was a great thing as my mother was a victim of domestic abuse, and we know that there are so many women out there, stuck in the situation, needing a way out. I am thoroughly disappointed that the one redeeming factor about the show has not come to fruition…
Alessa Williams
October 23, 2009
Well I do not know how some people feel about the battered women situation but I take this seriously. I have a foundation called the Gods Angel of Mercy Foundation website: http://www.tiptopwebsite.com/godsangel. I started this foundation because so many women come to talk to me and I want to put them in homes to get their life back together. I was paying for things out of my pocket until I got disabled so I am searching for help and people will get a response from my foundation God has blessed me to start. Your help will mean so much and all is tax deductable. Call me and you will get a phone message or me personally. every one that donate or sponsers the foundation will be presented to every one. This is real and I do not play with people feelings, lives or God. If you would like to help me save these women give me a call on how we can do thing together. Thanks
joejoe_no1
December 5, 2009
People like Chris Rock’s wife Millard (sp) put together programs in her husband’s old neighborhood without being prompted by being on a tv show. That is a real giving heart. But for all of these women, NeeNee and Twisted Hearts, Kim with the wig line, Sheree with the clothing line, its just bull. What were you doing before the cameraman said, “Roll em?” I never liked the fact that the first event for Twisted Hearts seemed to be more tailored towards the wealthy women of Atlanta – who else could have afforded the Big Hat Luncheon? You have to have a real heart for giving and service to really put in the work needed to have such a foundation. I mean, look at the way this whole issue got started on Nightly Candy. A person wanted to give to Twisted Hearts even though they had their own not-for-profit going. But, NeeNee could be just taking the money straight to the places she wants to help out. It could be just a big misunderstanding. But then again, the PayPal…??? I just don’t know
joejoe_no1
December 5, 2009
I’m back. Even though the Heal the Soul race was for everybody I suppose, once the race was over, they just had a small speech and it was over. What’s up with that? Why wasn’t there an entire program set up for this? And why did they just run down a street in Atlanta? Why weren’t they in a park or downtown somewhere? To just step out of your house and be in the middle of a charitable event is weird. The more I think about it, the more I just don’t believe that this is a real organization. NeeNee seems to be hiding this from Atlanta’s government. Something’s fishy. Be careful NeeNee. At least DeShaun got thrown off the show because she was boring. You don’t want to be thrown off because you are in jail.
jocie_no1
December 5, 2009
I’m back. Even though the Heal the Soul race was for everybody I suppose, once the race was over, they just had a small speech and it was over. What’s up with that? Why wasn’t there an entire program set up for this? And why did they just run down a street in Atlanta? Why weren’t they in a park or downtown somewhere? To just step out of your house and be in the middle of a charitable event is weird. The more I think about it, the more I just don’t believe that this is a real organization. NeeNee seems to be hiding this from Atlanta’s government. Something’s fishy. Be careful NeeNee. At least DeShaun got thrown off the show because she was boring. You don’t want to be thrown off because you are in jail.
Jacqueline Harris
March 13, 2010
Everyone can research on their own. The Twisted Hearts Foundation Inc. is an entity listed with the Georgia Secretary of State. Please view for yourself: http://corp.sos.state.ga.us/corp/soskb/Corp.asp?1483031 also registered date 09/09/2008.
Before you cast judgement, investigate for yourself. This took about 1/2 a second to retrieve.
nightlycandywithnanaadwoa
March 15, 2010
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for taking the time to read and post your comment.
I must inform you that there is a huge difference between registering a Not-for-Profit with the State and actually operating one. They are two totally different things.
I too found the link you provided in your comment in a manner of seconds but as a journalist I had to dig beyond the surface. The address that is provided for the foundation does exist but there are no offices for Twisted Hearts operated at that location. I had a reader last year who sent me disturbing pictures from the result of her physical abuse from her husband. She was desperate to find help. She lived in the suburbs of Atlanta and tried to reach The Twisted Hearts Foundation offices at the address provided and found nothing there. It is LOW BLOW to give the pretense of providing help and assistance to battered women. It is unsettling when women in need try to access “help” that doesn’t exist. This woman came turning Nightly Candy for answers. I felt compelled to find real organizations in her area that could assist her. That was truly one of the saddest moments I’ve encountered on this blog.
I’m not casting judgment on Ms. Leakes; I just want to know if this organization truly exists then where is it? How can women in need get assistance from this organization? If it was just a front for the show then it should be announced publicly so that more battered women whose lives could be in danger do not waste their precious time to seek out help that is not really there.
trisha
July 14, 2010
The foundation is only registered as a LLC~Limited Liability Company (and she has no board members) wow…meaning that the founder can use the money however they want to like NeNe did. Non-profits have to file a 1023 form with the IRS to get approved for the 501c3 status. Twisted Hearts is not listed on the IRS website for Non-profit Charities. I believe that NeNe wanted to help women of domestic violence, but she has took her focus off of making sure the foundation was set up right, and focused more on the fame. This is so sad, but she will again reap what she sows.
we man not
June 17, 2010
i love nene’s show and i will donate some time
trisha
July 14, 2010
NeNe has let the show go to her head big time. Everyone can see that from the way she acts on & off television. When they got evicted out of their home last year…they moved to a rental townhome off of North Brown Road/Old Peachtree Rd in Lawrenceville over close by Discover Mills & the townhome was basically empty, because thats when they started losing a lot of material items. NeNe then started to shy away from Greg because she let te show get to her head. They immediately moved from the townhome and into a house before the 2nd season aired because NeNe said Bravo would not approve of them living in the townhome, but I think she just didn’t want the viewers to know that they had really got evicted! She is a huge liar and until she gets real with herself…thats when people will start respecting her. Oh yeah, you never hear about Twisted Hearts Foundation NO MORE because it was set up wrong, and it was never her intention to help women of domestic violence. She only wanted to raise money for the FAKE foundation for personal use!
Rangermom
February 2, 2011
Thanks for all that have spoke against this poser NENE. I lived with domestic violence for 10 yrs and during my situation I was interested in seeking help from the Twisted Sister Foundation. 2 yrs ago when I searched, I couldn’t find anything about it. Somethings she said on the show regarding the foundation did not set well with me. I was suspicious.
I had to get my help through my County DV center. Every town in Ga. has one, and it’s free. Even if you have a place to live, you can still go to them for help and;meetings. They even help people get jobs. If you want to donate your money anywhere please support the not-for-profit organization, MY SISTER’S HOUSE. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 and get out/away, it’s not worth your life! Police Officers know where the local shelters are located where NO ONE can find you or your kids. Be smart and be sure you read the steps to take before you must leave your home, you may not get to return. And start putting away money, paper work of info you will need, for just in case you ever have to leave. (I never thought I would be a DV victim, I PLANED my escape and divorced the COP low life) BE SMART about your own life….. This has made me a survivor and NOT a victim. Read all you can on the Internet so you will know the steps to have IF you ever need it. (don’t ever think someone on TV is going to come riding up to help you, it’s just that, TV! This show is a joke.
Back to this joke of a Atl. housewife. (funny there maybe one of them that is from Atl) She has now said on this show she work’s for 11alive. It showed her in the studio 1 interviewing a low life in his own right. His claim to fame is saying he WAS married to Janet Jackson! Let’s all e-mail 11 aliv eand let them know what we think of them giving her a job. If you want to do something about a person not being truthful and collecting money for their personal use, get them in their pocket book. NeNe is also going to be on Donald Trump’s show, e-mail him also. I don’t think he would want to know NeNe is ripping off people since HE has used some of his billions for some good work.
I hope the state of Ga. goes after her for fraud.
Rose Bell
April 16, 2011
I am anticpating starting a foundation in Apple Valley, CA. for women of domestic abuse. We need it. I was proud of NeNe for opening The Twisted Hearts Foundation, but after reading all the comments regarding her creditability of the organization…I am disappointed. I really believed in her and wanted her input here in Apple Valley, California. Who can we trust?
nightlycandywithnanaadwoa
April 25, 2011
Thank you so much for your comment Rose. I am commend you for starting a foundation to help women who with battle domestic violence. It was shocking and outrageous to learn that the Twisted Hearts Foundation was a sham. The issue of domestic violence is so prevalent and problematic in our society. It is an issue that should not be manipulated for ratings on a TV show.
Karen McDonald
May 12, 2011
This email is to you Mrs.Lakes I would love more information on this group. Im presently going thru this situation.
nightlycandywithnanaadwoa
May 26, 2011
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through a situation. My advice to you is to do some research to find a reliable organization in your area. Unfortunately, the Twisted Heart’s is not a credible charity or Not-for-Profit.
KARIN DILLMAN
May 23, 2011
FROM WIKIPEDIA.COM:
Twisted Hearts Foundation was not a charity but a non-profit LLC, a failed organization suspected of money laundering. It was mailed a notice on 17 September 2010 that it was involuntarily or administratively dissolved or its certificate of authority revoked by the Office of Secretary of state for failure to file its annual registration.[11]