Ray Charles Foundation wants donation from Albany State University back
February 16th, 2012 - 8:19 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattAtlanta, Feb 16 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Ray Charles Foundation has taken an unusual way by demanding the return of funds given to the Albany State University. The foundation is demanding that the university should return about $3 million that Ray Charles donated to the school because the amount has not been used for its intended purpose.
In 2001 and 2002, the late singer donated $1 million and $2 million respectively to ASU. The amount was exclusively meant to be used for the construction of a performing arts theater in honor of the singer. The school has thus far failed to build the theater and that is why the foundation is asking for the return of the funds.
The president of the Ray Charles Foundation, Valarie Ervin, in a chat with the media indicated that Charles was specific on how the amount he has donated should be used.
Ervin was quoted as saying that, “It is incomprehensible that Albany State University failed to use the money in the manner Mr. Charles wanted. Mr. Charles would find ASU’s behavior unacceptable.”
ASU says they are not restricted as to how gifts to the school should be used. A spokesperson revealed that the performing arts is still on the plans of the school but they would need not less than $23 million to complete the project.
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Tags: 1 million, albany state university, arts theater, asu, money, ray charles, ray charles foundation, spokesperson, unusual way, valarie