Sick Kids' Ranch Has Hefty Costs (DON IMUS)

Albuquerque Journal | Monday, February 10, 2003 | Thomas J. Cole

[TexanToTheCore]

And we thought we knew ya, Imus. This one goes on the donations list. Nice job, Don.

[tahiti]

"Expenses in 1999 — its first full year of operation — were slightly more than $1 million. They hit $2.4 million in 2000 and $2.6 million in 2001, according to the ranch's tax returns."

I am no fan of Don Imus. But I want to know how a local rag get's a hold of private tax return information?

[afraidfortherepublic]

I can't stand the Imus show, but I have new respect for the man because of this article.

[Ditter]

Yep, second home for Imus. If this is a "working cattle ranch" are the cattle sold as a "real working cattle ranch" does? Or are they there as props?

[larryjohnson]

A good guy.

[jackbill]

But I want to know how a local rag get's a hold of private tax return information?

IRS Form 990's, for non-profit organizations, are Public Information. You can view the 2000 Imus Ranch Form 990 at:

http://documents.guidestar.org/2001/133/997/2001-133997308-1-9.pdf

[ko_kyi]

All the donations are voluntary, so who's business is it how much it costs?

[Williams]

100 kids total each year and they only go for a total of 10 days??? A lot more kids could go to lots of ranches for a lot less. Reading betweeen the lines, I get the sense that Imus caters to the kids of wealthy honchos he wants to rub elbows with. Sorry, I'm not convinced.

[wimpycat]

It's a vegan cattle ranch...that's the most disturbing thing.

[AGreatPer]

Just wondering how they select the kids that go there?

I think Fred Imus lives there too?

No matter how you slice it, this is good stuff for the kids. God Bless Don Imus.

[Williams]

$2.6 million??? You can send a kid to a fancy dude ranch for 10 days for about $4,000. Call it $5,000. That's 520 kids per year versus Imus' 100.

[battlegearboat]

Monday thru Friday, I'm up @ 5:00 a.m. to start my day with Imus.

He gets those great early morning interviews from people all over the world and grills the "Movers and Shakers".

Some of his stuff is pretty hard to take, but all and all, he's head and shoulders above the likes of Katie Curac, Charlie Gibson, Dying Sawyer and anyone else spouting off that time of day.

And yes, he's a weasel.

[TD911]

It's the "tax-exempt", ahem, stuff.

This really doesn't pass the smell test.

[Ditter]

Yeah, its got to be especially disturbing to the vegans knowing the cattle are going to be knocked in the head & butchered for food. Unless, its NOT a real cattle ranch & the cows are there to entertain the sick children. The cows would live long happy lives & when they got sick they would have the best medical care (I saw a huge vet bill). Everyone would be happy then except, maybe, the sick children who might like a little protein to get their strength back.

[bird humming]

I-man announced this morn that his wife is compiling a cookbook of ranch recipes & they will give all profits to the ranch. Must be hurtin' financially cos Fred Imus has moved to Texas according to Don. Have to admit I am a fan of Imus but have always been suspicious of how they can keep the ranch afloat for 8 months when the kids only visit maybe 4 months total every year. 3 months in the summer, 1 week at spring break. Doesn't make money cents.

[sinkspur]

Reading betweeen the lines, I get the sense that Imus caters to the kids of wealthy honchos he wants to rub elbows with. Sorry, I'm not convinced.

These are kids with cancer, jerkweed. He has a selection committee that tries to get kids who are well down the road, but still able to be kids, without respect to financial condition.

You can send a kid to a fancy dude ranch for 10 days for about $4,000. Call it $5,000. That's 520 kids per year versus Imus' 100.

Imus can't accommodate 520 kids, and kids can only come when they're not in school.

You're nitpicking a very generous effort, IMO. Imus is not everybody's cup of tea, but he doesn't have to do this.

From all indications, he's losing money on it.

So, tell me how he benefits, other than giving some kids with cancer a good time before they die?

That's almost Mother Teresa-like stuff.

[woofie]

dittos

[meema]

bump

[mombonn]

It's a vegan ranch, meaning no animal products are served.

In addition to the paradox of a "vegan cattle ranch" already mentioned, I have a problem with imposing a vegan diet on kids are sick and dying. If I were running a facility for them, I'd serve ANYTHING their little appetites desired. I also wonder how it might impact their treatments.

The ranch may be very loving, but imposing a vegan diet is over the top, imno.