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Broward Public Relations Firm Kept 64% Of Contributions To Young At Art

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yaa-bannerAccording to forms filed with the IRS, Young At Art (YAA) children’s museum in Davie allowed a local public relations firm to keep more than 64 percent of contributions it helped to collect. The 2013 Federal Form 990 shows Pierson Grant public relations brought $60,000 in contributions to YAA. The form shows Pierson Grant kept $38, 662 as its fee for fundraising. Young At Art kept just $21,338 of the money raised by Pierson Grant.

Form 990 for 2014 and 2015 do not list any payments to Pierson Grant. The firm is currently listed on the YAA website as an “in-kind sponsor” of the museum. This exorbitant 64% fee is just the latest questionable financial practice by the taxpayer-supported children’s museum.

Previously, REDBROWARD reported Bradi, Inc, a fundraising company, was paid high commission fees even as the total donations collected fell.  In 2013, Bradi, Inc (owned by Diane Weinbrum) brought in $155,000 in contributions. Bradi, Inc was paid $32,990, more than 21% of the contributions.

A year later, Weinbrum brought in another $155,000 in contributions. Despite raising the same amount, Weinbrum was paid $36,500, a 23% commission.

In 2015, Weinbrum only brought in $105,000 to the museum. For some unknown reason, Bradi, Inc received a 28% commission. YAA paid Weinbrum $30,075 for her work.

Yesterday, REDBROWARD revealed YAA executive director Mindy Shrago received huge salary increases even while the museum revenues dropped. Young at Art’s 2013 Federal IRS Form 990 shows Shrago received a $140,387 yearly salary.

The 2014 Form 990 shows Shrago received a sizable salary increase. Shrago was paid $152,407 for a fifty hour work week. This was a $12,020 increase for the executive director of an ailing institution funded by Broward taxapayers.

In 2015, Shrago’s take home pay jumped to $157,828 dollars. While still seeking relief from the County, Shrago received a $5,421 raise.

All of these large salaries and fees were paid while Shrago and Weinbrum pleaded with the Broward County Commission to bailout the faltering children’s museum. YAA is currently seeking more changes to their deal with the County.

Did donors and patrons realize sizable portions of their contributions were paid to consultants and public relations flacks? Were there verbal or written contracts with these paid consultants? Did YAA board members approve of these payouts? Did YAA institute any cost-cutting measures while trying to get financial help from Broward taxpayers?

Broward taxpayers deserve answers. The County Commission needs to ask Shrago and YAA Chairman David Di Pietro about these financial issues as well as the hypersexualized nature of some YAA sponsored exhibits.

Young At Art Fundraiser Kept Getting Big Fees Even As Donations Dropped

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Diane Weinbrum, left, is all smiles with YAA Ex. Dir. Mindy Shrago

Despite an alarming drop in revenue and contributions, the Young At Art (YAA) Children’s Museum kept paying large fees to its fundraising consultant. Since 2011, YAA lost nearly $600,000 in total revenue. These losses and fewer contributions forced YAA executive director Mindy Shrago to seek a new deal with Broward County Commissioners.

In 2013, Shrago came before the County Commission after YAA was unable to pay its $10 million bill. Broward County taxpayers bought the land and built the new museum space for YAA in Davie. “We have every intention of just being the best partner that we can be to the county and that’s the goal at this point, to just continue to work with them,” said Diane Weinbrum, a public relations and fundraising professional who works as a consultant for the museum. “We have every intention of honoring our financial commitment to Broward County.”

Six months later, Broward County Commissioners gave YAA an extra 29 years to pay its debt. According to the Sun-Sentinel, Young At Art would have until 2051 to pay off the taxpayers. Once again, Diane Weinbrum spoke on behalf of YAA.

“We’ve worked diligently with the county and have been a longtime partner with them,” said Diane Weinbrum, a consultant for the museum. “We will continue to fulfill our mission of providing inspiring, interactive experiences in which art is central to shaping young minds and enriching the lives of children and families in our community.”

Now, just two years later, County Commissioners are waiting for Young At Art Chairman David Di Pietro to submit another new plan.

Fundraiser Received Increasing Fees 

As Diane Weinbrum talked about Young At Art being a “best partner” who would “diligently” pay off its financial commitments, the museum was increasing the fees it paid Weinbrum.

According to Federal IRS forms filed by Young At Art, Bradi, Inc (a company owned by Diane Weinbrum) was paid high fees even as the amount of money raised by Weinbrum dropped. For 2013, Bradi, Inc brought in $155,000 in contributions. Bradi, Inc was paid $32,990, more than 21% of the contributions.

A year later, Weinbrum brought in another $155,000 in contributions. Despite the same amount, Weinbrum’s fees increased; Bradi, Inc was paid $36,500, a 23% commission.

In 2015, Weinbrum brought in just $105,000 to Young At Art. Shockingly, Bradi, Inc received an even bigger commission. YAA paid Weinbrum $30,075, a 28% commission.

Other Museum Leader Paid Handsomely

Yesterday, REDBROWARD revealed YAA executive director Mindy Shrago received huge salary increases even while the museum revenues dropped. Young at Art’s 2013 Federal IRS Form 990 shows Shrago received a $140,387 yearly salary. 

The 2014 Form 990 shows Shrago received a sizable salary increase. Shrago was paid $152,407 for a fifty hour work week. This was a $12,020 increase for the executive director of an ailing institution funded by Broward taxapayers.

In 2015, Shrago’s take home pay jumped to $157,828 dollars. While still seeking relief from the County, Shrago received a $5,421 raise. 

Diane Weinbrum has not responded to a request for comment.