Gatecrashers' Charity More Fishy Than Horsey

$250K event netted just $18K for charity
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 2, 2009 5:13 AM CST
Gatecrashers' Charity More Fishy Than Horsey
Britain's Prince Charles stretches out his mallet for the ball in front of Tareq Salahi during a 2006 polo match in Cirencester, England.   (AP Photo/Michaele Salahi)

A close look at the America's Polo Cup charity event created by White House gatecrashers Tareq and Michaele Salahi reveals inconsistencies that could look mighty suspicious to those taking an uncharitable view. Tareq Salahi—captain of the US polo team that will play India in this year's cup—said the event raised $250,000 for charity in 2007. The event's beneficiary, however, the Journey for the Cure Foundation, received just $18,206 that year, reports the Washington Post.

Sponsors listed for next year's event—with VIP tickets on sale for up to $1,000 each—include Land Rover and Cartier, which deny any connection to the event. One sponsor says they pulled out of the event after the British royal family failed to appear as promised in 2007. Vendors who have dealt with the Salahis over the event's 3-year history say they haven't been paid and have filed numerous lawsuits. The Salahis and their attorney declined to comment.
(More polo stories.)

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