Tag Archives: Bertha Henry

Broward County Government To Review Growing Young At Art Scandal

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The leaders of Broward County government will review the growing scandal at the Young At Art (YAA) children’s museum in Davie. Over the last week, REDBROWARD exposed questionable videos involving YAA founder Mindy Shrago and topless women whacking Donald Trump pinatas and a risque “peep show” sponsored by the museum. Curated by Shrago’s son Zack Spechler, the peep show exhibit allowed children to view naked men and women involved in sex acts.

Yesterday, an email sent to YAA sponsors, officials and the media urged leaders to remove Shrago from her role as YAA executive director. The “Protect Young At Art” email was addressed to YAA Board Chairman David Di Pietro and other board members. “I would normally be inclined to pen this correspondence in my own name but after reading the recent article in Red Broward about how those who oppose you and Ms. Shrago’s husband, Mr. Spechler, for the protection of my family I will remain anonymous,” the email began. The author applauded Shrago’s original vision which started at a Plantation shopping center. “Unfortunately, while Ms. Shrago was a visionary in creating Young at Art, life cannot be all play. The time comes for one to mature and pay his or her debts. I have been following the saga of Young at Art since Ms. Wallman of the Sun- Sentinel broke the story a few years ago. I became keenly aware of the claims of Young at Art, specifically its claim of a need for restructuring of its debt payments because its potential donors were not inclined to donate to the government. In contrast, I find it notable that while there are concerns of donors not wanting to give to the government, the admission price is $14 for parents and children ($12 for County Residents). At that price it seems that Young at Art has prioritized its donors over the lower income families/taxpayers of Broward County who want to see the museum.”

“Outraged” by the videos, the author identifies one of the topless women in the Donald Trump videos. “I thought the topless woman looked familiar and I realized it was Ali Shrago-Spechler, daughter of Executive Director Mindy Shrago.  I further learned that Ms. Shrago-Spechler  has a permanent installation/exhibit at Young at Art. I also did a google search of Ali Shrago-Spechler , and discovered her odd, topless political videos on YouTube and her blog where there is a painting…of Ms.Shrago naked across the lap of her father, Jay Spechler.”

The email ends with a call for Di Pietro to remove Shrago. “If you and your Board are not puppets and are truly acting in the best interests of the Museum, then it is time for you and your board to ask for the resignation of Mindy Shrago. If you will not do it, I would hope that the County Commission would request this as a requirement of any loan modification. Ms. Shrago should be thanked for her vision in creating Young at Art but it is clear that she is ill-equipped to run a museum in a fiscally responsible manner free of nepotism and without the possibility of exposing children to amoral behavior.”

When contacted by REDBROWARD, Broward County Commissioner Lois Wexler said she plans on reviewing the YAA videos and the call for Shrago’s resignation with County Administrator Bertha Henry and County Attorney Joni Armstrong Coffey.

During the September 20th County Commission meeting, Commissioner Wexler wondered if YAA was “playing games” in negotiations with the County. Despite YAA failure to live up to its previous deals with the County, officials have been open to making the partnership with the museum continue. Wexler asked why the amended contract, which was due in July, had not been presented to the Commission. County Administrator Henry said YAA officials blamed the delay on board member vacations. Wexler noted that 19 board members had resigned following the scathing report from the County’s consultant; The report had singled out undisclosed payments to Zack and Ali Shrago Spechler as possible violations of YAA’s deal with the County.

“Is the ultimate goal to wait until I am out of office? Because that’s exactly–I thought that was–That has been the goal for the last year,” Wexler asked. “And if this is a game that is being played it’s time to call their bluff.”

Wexler concluded, “This is something that has been going on way, way, way too long.”

Indeed.

Charity Navigator Says Independent Consultant Got Young At Art Review Wrong

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Fourth In A Multi-Part Investigation

After enduring months of intimidation from Broward County officials, it’s no surprise Louise Stevens’ “independent review” of the Young At Art (YAA) children’s museum ended with a mistake-filled performance at a County Commission workshop. On May 5, 2015, Stevens reported her findings to Broward County Commissioners.  As REDBROWARD previously reported, Stevens disregarded her tried and true methods of independent review after a Broward County Libraries business administrator threatened her reputation.

Multiple sources confirm that Jeff Tottenhoff, a Broward Libraries business administrator, delivered a threat to Louise Stevens: issue a negative report about Young At Art or your reputation would be ruined.

Sources confirm Stevens told the YAA board about the threat. When reached by REDBROWARD, Stevens had no comment.

However another source confirmed the early morning meeting took place at the Salad Bowl, an eatery located near the main library in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

When contacted by REDBROWARD, Tottenhoff admitted he met Stevens at the Salad Bowl for breakfast. He said he “just wanted to meet” Stevens. Tottenhoff said any claims that he threatened Stevens’ career and reputation were “patently false.”

Despite the denials, Stevens short-circuited her investigative process. On May 5, Stevens appeared before the County Commission to discuss her final report. In a total deviation from Stevens’ normal operating procedures, the 104 page report was completed without input from YAA.

CHARITY NAVIGATOR MESS

At the May 5th workshop, County Commissioner Mark Bogen asked Stevens about YAA’s fundraising capabilities. Commissioners were concerned about the museum’s ability to repay County loans. Bogen asked, “Louise, it says here, it says efficiency at raising funds is one of the worst–who says that?” Stevens stated she used the tools from the highly-respected Charity Navigator website.

According to its website, the non-profit Charity Navigator, “works to guide intelligent giving. [W]e aim to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace, in which givers and the charities they support work in tandem to overcome our nation’s and the world’s most persistent challenges.” Charity Navigator has been endorsed by numerous non-profits and news organizations like TIME, Forbes and Bill O’Reilly of FOX News.

In response to Commissioner Bogen, Stevens stated:

When you apply the measurement tools, the rubric, if you will, that Charity Navigator puts out–[YAA] come in at zero. And it’s a-it’s a–it’s a straightforward statistical evaluation that anyone can do. And it is literally the cost that they show on their Form 990 to the amount of funds raised. And it comes–straight off of the Form 990.

Bogen asked, “Okay. So it’s correct?”

“Yes.” said Louise Stevens.

CHARITY NAVIGATOR SAYS CONSULTANT DEAD WRONG

YAA officials were shocked when Stevens claimed their Charity Navigator score was zero stars. YAA supporters were shocked when they applied the YAA numbers to the Charity Navigator formula; So shocked, they contacted officials at Charity Navigator.

REDBROWARD obtained emails from Tim Gamory, the acting Chief Operating Officer of Charity Navigator. Gamory wrote, “”Based on our current methodology, Young At Art would have a 4 star rating overall. Perfect Accountability and Transparency Score.”

In a response to Stevens’ final report, Young At Art claimed to find more errors.

So how did Louise Stevens get her facts so wrong?

According to Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry, Louise Stevens had been creating a “fictionalized” report all along.

NEXT: BERTHA HENRY IN CYA MODE OVER YAA REVIEW