New Info on Moffitt

[Pturner]

I learned this afternoon that donating to "The Mission For Moffitt" apparently does not benefit Moffitt Cancer Center. This saddens me.

I've been conflicted about donating. I like that Moffitt will be on campus. Donating to it appeals to me. However, it did concern me that Relay for Life reportedly would not be allowed on campus unless it split donations with the developer's fund raising effort. Some TOTVers seemed to think that the donations would not actually benefit Moffitt. That would concern me even more, except I thought it unlikely.

Like Cabo, I felt Ritchie is too biased a source. Ditto The Daily Sun. So, on Feb. 9, I emailed these questions to Michelle Foley of Moffitt Center:



Will the outcome of the fund-raising effort for the equipment effect Moffitt's decision to locate within The Villages?
Will Villagers' donations for the equipment financially benefit the Moffitt organization in any way? If so, how?
Will Moffitt's costs to locate within The Villages be reduced in any way as a result of the fund raising effort?

After asking time to check with "our general counsel", Ms. Foley responded this afternoon as follows:"Hi Phyllis, the answer is no to all of your questions. Please let me know if you need anything else."

So, does this mean that by donating to "The Mission for Moffitt," we would be buying merchandise for the developer, that he will turn around and lease for profit at no cost to him? Is this possible? Is the fund-raising justified if Moffitt won't benefit and if it will have no impact on Moffitt locating in TV? In what sense is it a charitable donation if the funds raised don't benefit Moffitt?

Cabo? Russ? GG?

[barb1191]

I learned this afternoon that donating to "The Mission For Moffitt" apparently does not benefit Moffitt Cancer Center. This saddens me.

I've been conflicted about donating. I like that Moffitt will be on campus. Donating to it appeals to me. However, it did concern me that Relay for Life reportedly would not be allowed on campus unless it split donations with the developer's fund raising effort. Some TOTVers seemed to think that the donations would not actually benefit Moffitt. That would concern me even more, except I thought it unlikely.

Like Cabo, I felt Ritchie is too biased a source. Ditto The Daily Sun. So, on Feb. 9, I emailed these questions to Michelle Foley of Moffitt Center:



Will the outcome of the fund-raising effort for the equipment effect Moffitt's decision to locate within The Villages?
Will Villagers' donations for the equipment financially benefit the Moffitt organization in any way? If so, how?
Will Moffitt's costs to locate within The Villages be reduced in any way as a result of the fund raising effort?

After asking time to check with "our general counsel", Ms. Foley responded this afternoon as follows:"Hi Phyllis, the answer is no to all of your questions. Please let me know if you need anything else."

So, does this mean that by donating to "The Mission for Moffitt," we would be buying merchandise for the developer, that he will turn around and lease for profit at no cost to him? Is this possible? Is the fund-raising justified if Moffitt won't benefit and if it will have no impact on Moffitt locating in TV? In what sense is it a charitable donation if the funds raised don't benefit Moffitt?

Cabo? Russ? GG?

Phyllis... In response to your queries to Moffitt, it becomes obvious that the answer is NO, NO, and a resounding NO. I feel that the folks are starting to understand the developer's "game plan" which I just explained in another post.

Moffit will have NO control over the building the developer is LEASING TO Moffitt. The developer is pulling a fast one for his own profit by this donation plan so that he can buy this hi-tech equipment with the donated funds, own outright this equipment (not Moffitt nor the donors) and lease this equipment as well to Moffitt. Moffitt is not receiving ANY monies from those donations and the only one asking for the donations is the developer, NOT MOFFITT, and the developer will OWN this lucrative equipment with the donations as well as reap the rewards of the income this equipment will create. Yes, it's all a huge scam with many loopholes I would imagine where the developer is using these donors for his and his only profit AND WITH THE DONORS MONEY. Get the picture? So shameful and the worse part of it is that these well-intended donors don't seem to understand the scam the developer has going.

AND, this is not the first time that the developer has knowing misappropriated funds due the residents' budget to maintain the common grounds. Referring to the law suit the POA initiated AND WON! Then the final fau pau (sp?) was when the developer kicked out the ACS Relay for Life....proof of the lack of integrity the developer so blatently displays!!

TRUST THE POA; they are your friends. It's all about greed like our government leaders, we must learn who's our friend and who's our foe here in TV as well. Sad....but true.

[graciegirl]

I learned this afternoon that donating to "The Mission For Moffitt" apparently does not benefit Moffitt Cancer Center. This saddens me.

I've been conflicted about donating. I like that Moffitt will be on campus. Donating to it appeals to me. However, it did concern me that Relay for Life reportedly would not be allowed on campus unless it split donations with the developer's fund raising effort. Some TOTVers seemed to think that the donations would not actually benefit Moffitt. That would concern me even more, except I thought it unlikely.

Like Cabo, I felt Ritchie is too biased a source. Ditto The Daily Sun. So, on Feb. 9, I emailed these questions to Michelle Foley of Moffitt Center:



Will the outcome of the fund-raising effort for the equipment effect Moffitt's decision to locate within The Villages?
Will Villagers' donations for the equipment financially benefit the Moffitt organization in any way? If so, how?
Will Moffitt's costs to locate within The Villages be reduced in any way as a result of the fund raising effort?

After asking time to check with "our general counsel", Ms. Foley responded this afternoon as follows:"Hi Phyllis, the answer is no to all of your questions. Please let me know if you need anything else."

So, does this mean that by donating to "The Mission for Moffitt," we would be buying merchandise for the developer, that he will turn around and lease for profit at no cost to him? Is this possible? Is the fund-raising justified if Moffitt won't benefit and if it will have no impact on Moffitt locating in TV? In what sense is it a charitable donation if the funds raised don't benefit Moffitt?

Cabo? Russ? GG?

I am saddened by this. I am satisfied to see someone who is a journalist by trade and someone I respect mightily and trust utterly has researched this issue and posted here.

I am pleased that you wrote this without venom and sarcasm. So much has been seen here that has been written with venom and sarcasm including my own postings.

It is obvious that by donating to Moffit that the developer would benefit financially.

I wonder why Moffitt would allow this.

[Challenger]

Can someone accurately identify the name of the 501 c3 organization to which the "Moffit" contributions are going? Further can someone cite facts relating this charity to the "Developer?

[redwitch]

I wish I could say this surprises me, but it doesn't. It really is more or less what I expected to hear. When I first heard that Moffitt Center was coming here, that the Morses were donating the land and building, I was thrilled. Then I heard about the Leesburg Moffitt and it quickly became apparent to me that Moffit in TV was only about the status of having it here, not any real need. Moffitt got an offer they couldn't refuse is what I thought. Now, I'm not even sure of that. Since Moffitt will have to pay rent and won't own the equipment, what in heck are they getting out of this deal? Why would they want two centers so close together? Just doesn't make sense.

So, the Morses' clay feet are showing. They get a nice tax writeoff; rent paid for the land and building they "donated;" probably a lease for the equipment they are getting with donations (be interesting to get the facts on this aspect, if at all possible). We get a cancer center -- one that is duplicative of one less than 20 miles from TV. We do not necessarily get the physicians and staff of Moffitt -- we get ones "trained" by Moffitt but that's not really the same thing. We or our insurance companies get to pay for the treatment -- it is not free or at a reduced cost. We lost the Relay. Other charities suffer by having to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Moffitt charity. Sounds like a very sweet deal for the Morses. I am beginning to wonder what makes it work for Moffitt.

Somewhere, somehow, we are missing some facts. I'm just not sure how we find them out. So, I guess we need to research if there is a Moffitt/Morse entity. What benefits Moffitt does get by building two centers so close together. What inducements were made/given to have them agree to come to TV after committing to Leesburg? It might be interesting to know the deal Leesburg made with Moffitt just for comparison. Anyone have any clues how we can find out some of these things?

[nitakk]

I wonder why Moffitt would allow this.


Gracie, that's the million dollar question. I, too, have e-mailed Michelle Foley and asked her why Moffitt is associated with this and the fund-raising going on here in their name is doing nothing but sullying their reputation. That was two weeks ago, and even though I re-send the e-mail (second, third request), I get no reply. One can only assume they know exactly what is going on and how they get the equipment is of no concern to them, just that they get it. I find this whole thing a "senior scam" where donations are made by good and decent people who think they are helping cancer patients. In my discussions with people who donated, they were told by fund-raising personnel that even though you make the check out to Villages Health System, the money was going to Moffitt - a direct contradiction to Michelle's e-mail. Isn't this the definition of fraud?

[nitakk]

One other thing I forgot to put in my post for everyone's consideration -

A lot of people have written on this website saying having Moffitt here can only be good for TV. It appears to me from what I have read that they are branching out to various locations, creating lots of "affiliates" with local staff. It's almost starting to sound like the Wal-Mart of cancer care - you have a name-brand that attracts people and the smaller Mom and Pop businesses are quickly put out of business because they just can't compete. So instead of adding to the community, it really reduces our choices in cancer treatment. I will state that given all that I know about their complicity in the fund-raising being done here in their name, I personally would have serious reservations about going there if I were diagnosed with cancer. Cancer treatment is a business and when and if the time comes for me to require it, I really do want a choice in my care.

[Talk Host]

Has anybody thought about the fact that selling homes in The Villages is the #1 priority of the developer and that the more renowned names that are associated with The Villages, the more attractive it would be to locate here?

[chuckster]

Good point TH.............

[Quietman]

I learned this afternoon that donating to "The Mission For Moffitt" apparently does not benefit Moffitt Cancer Center. This saddens me.

I've been conflicted about donating. I like that Moffitt will be on campus. Donating to it appeals to me. However, it did concern me that Relay for Life reportedly would not be allowed on campus unless it split donations with the developer's fund raising effort. Some TOTVers seemed to think that the donations would not actually benefit Moffitt. That would concern me even more, except I thought it unlikely.

Like Cabo, I felt Ritchie is too biased a source. Ditto The Daily Sun. So, on Feb. 9, I emailed these questions to Michelle Foley of Moffitt Center:



Will the outcome of the fund-raising effort for the equipment effect Moffitt's decision to locate within The Villages?
Will Villagers' donations for the equipment financially benefit the Moffitt organization in any way? If so, how?
Will Moffitt's costs to locate within The Villages be reduced in any way as a result of the fund raising effort?

After asking time to check with "our general counsel", Ms. Foley responded this afternoon as follows:"Hi Phyllis, the answer is no to all of your questions. Please let me know if you need anything else."

So, does this mean that by donating to "The Mission for Moffitt," we would be buying merchandise for the developer, that he will turn around and lease for profit at no cost to him? Is this possible? Is the fund-raising justified if Moffitt won't benefit and if it will have no impact on Moffitt locating in TV? In what sense is it a charitable donation if the funds raised don't benefit Moffitt?

Cabo? Russ? GG?

I thought the donations were going for equipment that will belong to the Hospital Alliance - not Moffit. If true the answers to the questions are correct.

[dgammon6]

Correct Quietman. All the equipment purchased with the donations will belong to The Villages Health System. Therefore the answers to the three questions is no.

[Larry Wilson]

It just makes me sick on how much they push donations to Moffitt. They are lying to good- hearted people. I can't stand to listen to The Village radio anymore because it is just one big advertisement for donations. Between the paper, the radio, and almost every event, I am so sick of hearing about Moffitt. That's the problem with a Developer having so much power and owning all the media and everything else.

[Tbugs]

This will probably generate a lot of responses but here goes anyhow -

The Villages is a great place to live and the Morse family has done a wonderful job of making this slice of Heaven available to us. Where else could you be so happy for such a reasonable cost. $135 monthly amenity fee is almost unheard of anywhere - and for all we get!!

Greed on the part of the developer? The Morse family happens to be wealthy but this is America, folks. They developed The Villages and keep it beautiful. I begrudge them absolutely nothing and anyone would be foolish if they did. If you do not like it here, nothing is keeping you from leaving to go somewhere else.

If you do not want to donate to the Moffit Center - don't donate. No one is forcing you to donate. There are plenty of charities around who are totally separate such as Salvation Army, local food banks, donations directly to Red Cross, Boy Scouts, or whatever. Donate to your churches. Animal shelters need contributions. None of these are connected to the Morse family.

The POA does some good but it is also full of naysayers. Get that good feeling back when you moved to The VIllages and enjoy being here without griping. You never had it so good as you do right now!!!

[chuckster]

You have a positive response from me on your post. I've said the same many times and agree with your statement to donate to whatever charity you wish.

I'm sure interesting replies will follow:popcorn:

[ajakk]

Every time some one posts an opinion questioning the developers ethics they are told "love it or leave it". I don't understand wrong is wrong. The developer has been misleading from the get go and continues even now. I am not against a Moffitt affiliate in TV. I am against donations made by misleading Villagers with false information and innuendos. Even Moffitt in Tampa is trying to distance themselves from this fiasco. At first Michelle Foley only referred emails to the moffitt foundation here, now she is answering emails saying they are not part of this fundraiser and will not receive money form it.

I have no intention of moving, I like living here and enjoying the many amenities we have. I just find it hard to ignore how people are being deceived and feel obligated to voice my opinion.

In a true society the strong protect the weak, here we just call them names and tell them to leave.

[Mikeod]

TBugs - Please try to understand. My problem is not liking it here or or not liking what the developer has created. In fact, I love it here and think what they have done is remarkable and certainly unique. What I don't understand is, having created this wonderful community (and profiting enormously from it also) they need to deceive residents. It is well documented that the initial notices indicated the developer was "donating" the spaces for Moffitt. Only later did we find out that there was no "donation" at all. It was purely a business investment in a rental property at a prime location. What do you think would have happened if the initial story had simply said that the developer was going to put up a new building that would be able to house the new cancer center? There would still be a positive response since the main roadblock to the center was adequate space. To me, the developer would have seen and addressed a need and residents would see it that way as well. Why spin it to sound like a donation when it wasn't?

A little history also plays into my feelings. Many vinyl-sided homes south of 466 were shown to have faulty/less than ideal installation of the siding. This was confirmed by independent building inspections. Instead of holding the contractors' feet to the fire and making them adhere to the siding manufacturer's installation instructions, we were treated to denials and the ridiculous comment that after the tornado he saw walls torn off with the siding intact. So what!!! It was only after the news of the faulty siding got published outside the community and his credibility took a hit that these deficiencies were addressed.

So, my attitude is really one of disappointment. This community is amazing and should stand on its own without the need to embellish or obfuscate. Tell it like it is. Do the right thing.

[billethkid]

to The Moffitt Cancer Center in The Villages. And recently the change of the donation emphasis is now "Mission for Moffit".
It may be nothing more than a lot of people getting it wrong or mis stated and now clarified.
However when there are open questions with limited communications and the smog of uncertainty, one just wonders....some more.

As stated previously just check out the size of Moffit or MD Anderson facilities...check their staffing and what they offer. You will soon conclude TV presence is a satellite with the Moffitt name. Obviously what ever is planned for it meets Moffitts criteria. Kinda like if there is a machine in the neighborhood (like Lake Imaging), they can claim to offer that equipment. Theses comments are not meant to be pluses or minuses to anything. Just observations made or to be made.

What else is annoying about the smog of mis-information is TV could EASILY set the record straight through their multiple media holdings...but they are not....have not. Just wonder why.

btk

[eweissenbach]

This will probably generate a lot of responses but here goes anyhow -

The Villages is a great place to live and the Morse family has done a wonderful job of making this slice of Heaven available to us. Where else could you be so happy for such a reasonable cost. $135 monthly amenity fee is almost unheard of anywhere - and for all we get!!

Greed on the part of the developer? The Morse family happens to be wealthy but this is America, folks. They developed The Villages and keep it beautiful. I begrudge them absolutely nothing and anyone would be foolish if they did. If you do not like it here, nothing is keeping you from leaving to go somewhere else.

If you do not want to donate to the Moffit Center - don't donate. No one is forcing you to donate. There are plenty of charities around who are totally separate such as Salvation Army, local food banks, donations directly to Red Cross, Boy Scouts, or whatever. Donate to your churches. Animal shelters need contributions. None of these are connected to the Morse family.

The POA does some good but it is also full of naysayers. Get that good feeling back when you moved to The VIllages and enjoy being here without griping. You never had it so good as you do right now!!!

Love of the Villages and love of the developer may well be mutually exclusive, as has been voiced by numerous people. Not to compare anyone to Hitler, but using an extreme example, a majority of Germans in the 1930s loved the improvements in the economy and the infratructure under the direction of the Nazis. Dictators often have widespread support of the people despite suppression of news, lying and stealing from the state coffers, because they can get things done without opposition, some of which benefit a great many people. I do not know the developers, and maybe their intentions are mostly honorable, but their lack of openness and disclosure certainly help raise doubts.

[Talk Host]

What else is annoying about the smog of mis-information is TV could EASILY set the record straight through their multiple media holdings...but they are not....have not. Just wonder why.

btk

Maybe they'll come on here and set the record straight. Maybe they think that there is no record that needs to be set straight.

JLK

[Advogado]

This will probably generate a lot of responses but here goes anyhow -

The Villages is a great place to live and the Morse family has done a wonderful job of making this slice of Heaven available to us. Where else could you be so happy for such a reasonable cost. $135 monthly amenity fee is almost unheard of anywhere - and for all we get!!

Greed on the part of the developer? The Morse family happens to be wealthy but this is America, folks. They developed The Villages and keep it beautiful. I begrudge them absolutely nothing and anyone would be foolish if they did. If you do not like it here, nothing is keeping you from leaving to go somewhere else.

If you do not want to donate to the Moffit Center - don't donate. No one is forcing you to donate. There are plenty of charities around who are totally separate such as Salvation Army, local food banks, donations directly to Red Cross, Boy Scouts, or whatever. Donate to your churches. Animal shelters need contributions. None of these are connected to the Morse family.

The POA does some good but it is also full of naysayers. Get that good feeling back when you moved to The VIllages and enjoy being here without griping. You never had it so good as you do right now!!!

Why is the fact that The Villages is a nice place to live even slightly relevant to the controversy at hand? As I see it, the controversy arises from three basic issues, all related to the Developer's role in the so-called Moffitt fund raising and having nothing to do with The Villages lifestyle:

1. What can charitably (no pun intended) be described as misrepresentations being published in the Developer's newspaper in order to raise funds that will flow back to the Developer.

2. Total lack of transparency in regard to the arrangements between the Developer and Moffitt. Is the Developer a paid fund raiser? Is the rent normal rent, or somehow tied to the Developer's fund-raising efforts? Who knows exactly how the Developer is benefiting from the fund raising? Moffitt won't tell us.

3. The Developer's shameful attempt to shake down the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for the Developer's own financial benefit.

Yes, we don't have to contribute to the fund raiser. But we also don't have to stand by and see our friends and neighbors doing so without their being informed about where their money is going.

Finally, as to your allegation that the POA is full of "naysayers": Those naysayers brought the class action that got you, the other residents of the Villages, and me about $40 million that the Developer was wrongfully taking from us. We all owe those naysayers a debt of gratitude. When you tell us that you have written the Developer a check for your share of that class-action settlement (call it $1,000), I will start to listen to your complaints about the POA being full of naysayers. Until you write that check, you may want to temper your name calling.

[Bosoxfan]

:agree::mademyday::BigApplause:This will probably generate a lot of responses but here goes anyhow -

The Villages is a great place to live and the Morse family has done a wonderful job of making this slice of Heaven available to us. Where else could you be so happy for such a reasonable cost. $135 monthly amenity fee is almost unheard of anywhere - and for all we get!!

Greed on the part of the developer? The Morse family happens to be wealthy but this is America, folks. They developed The Villages and keep it beautiful. I begrudge them absolutely nothing and anyone would be foolish if they did. If you do not like it here, nothing is keeping you from leaving to go somewhere else.

If you do not want to donate to the Moffit Center - don't donate. No one is forcing you to donate. There are plenty of charities around who are totally separate such as Salvation Army, local food banks, donations directly to Red Cross, Boy Scouts, or whatever. Donate to your churches. Animal shelters need contributions. None of these are connected to the Morse family.

Get that good feeling back when you moved to The VIllages and enjoy being here without griping. You never had it so good as you do right now!!!


Well said.

[Pturner]

... The Villages is a great place to live and the Morse family has done a wonderful job of making this slice of Heaven available to us. Where else could you be so happy for such a reasonable cost. $135 monthly amenity fee is almost unheard of anywhere - and for all we get!!

Greed on the part of the developer? The Morse family happens to be wealthy but this is America, folks. They developed The Villages and keep it beautiful. ...

If you do not want to donate to the Moffit Center - don't donate. No one is forcing you to donate. ...

... You never had it so good as you do right now!!!

I agree with all of the parts of your post that I quoted, (other than the part that states that the issue is deciding whether "to donate to the Moffitt Center," since fund-raising in question doesn't do that.)

Indeed, deciding whether to donate to "The Mission for Moffitt" was the point of this thread. I'd been trying to decide, I got my questions answered and I shared the answers with others who are deciding.

I sincerely don't understand what this has to do with TV being a wonderful place to live, or the developer having done a wonderful job making this slice of heaven available to us. I don't see what it has to do with the fact that we've never had it so good. This is about deciding whether to donate to "Mission for Moffitt".

I also struggle to understand the inability or unwillingness to distinguish among traits of genius, vision, acumen, ethics and personal integrity.

For example, it's possible to be a great businessman, produce a great product and be highly ethical. Bon Jovi and Warren Buffett pop to mind.
One can be a great business person, produce a wildly popular but flawed product and be highly ethical. Bill Gates comes to mind. One can be great business person, produce a popular, sought-after product and be highly unethical. Bernie Madoff and Ken Lay come to mind.

It is possible the Morse's possess all of these traits in abundance; it's possible they have great genius, vision and acumen and rate less well or even poorly or even pathetically on the ethics and/or personal integrity scales. Isn't it?

Or does it make more sense, as Tbug's and other posts in previous threads seem to me to imply, to accept or acknowledge no distinction among traits of genius, vision, acumen, ethics and personal integrity.

[Taj44]

Why is the fact that The Villages is a nice place to live even slightly relevant to the controversy at hand? As I see it, the controversy arises from three basic issues, all related to the Developer's role in the so-called Moffitt fund raising and having nothing to do with The Villages lifestyle:

1. What can charitably (no pun intended) be described as misrepresentations being published in the Developer's newspaper in order to raise funds that will flow back to the Developer.

2. Total lack of transparency in regard to the arrangements between the Developer and Moffitt. Is the Developer a paid fund raiser? Is the rent normal rent, or somehow tied to the Developer's fund-raising efforts? Who knows exactly how the Developer is benefiting from the fund raising? Moffitt won't tell us.

3. The Developer's shameful attempt to shake down the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for the Developer's own financial benefit.

Yes, we don't have to contribute to the fund raiser. But we also don't have to stand by and see our friends and neighbors doing so without their being informed about where their money is going.

Finally, as to your allegation that the POA is full of "naysayers": Those naysayers brought the class action that got you, the other residents of the Villages, and me about $40 million that the Developer was wrongfully taking from us. We all owe those naysayers a debt of gratitude. When you tell us that you have written the Developer a check for your share of that class-action settlement (call it $1,000), I will start to listen to your complaints about the POA being full of naysayers. Until you write that check, you may want to temper your name calling.

As usual, your comments are right on target. Well said.

[billethkid]

there may be no need to set the record straight....it may well be straight as is!!

btk

[chuckinca]

Are donations tax deductible? Or is that question another can of worms?


.

[katezbox]

As usual, your comments are right on target. Well said.

I also agree with Advogado - except I do think the last paragraph is a bit strong. In the past the POA has been anti-developer and negative. I think that has changed for the better - a POA that can see both sides and negotiate on our behalf is a wonderful thing.

Chuck - I think challenger's question on the 501 (c) (3) name and status of the charity is to help determine if our contributions are tax deductible.

[hdh1470]

This will probably generate a lot of responses but here goes anyhow -

The Villages is a great place to live and the Morse family has done a wonderful job of making this slice of Heaven available to us. Where else could you be so happy for such a reasonable cost. $135 monthly amenity fee is almost unheard of anywhere - and for all we get!!

Greed on the part of the developer? The Morse family happens to be wealthy but this is America, folks. They developed The Villages and keep it beautiful. I begrudge them absolutely nothing and anyone would be foolish if they did. If you do not like it here, nothing is keeping you from leaving to go somewhere else.

If you do not want to donate to the Moffit Center - don't donate. No one is forcing you to donate. There are plenty of charities around who are totally separate such as Salvation Army, local food banks, donations directly to Red Cross, Boy Scouts, or whatever. Donate to your churches. Animal shelters need contributions. None of these are connected to the Morse family.
The POA does some good but it is also full of naysayers. Get that good feeling back when you moved to The VIllages and enjoy being here without griping. You never had it so good as you do right now!!!


Most of the time I don't agree with you but this time your spot on.Not anyone here knows the facts but claim to have heard or know somebody that does.The facts will come out then voice your opinions. It just doesn't make sense to get all rattled til you know the TRUTH.

[Talk Host]

This discussion is not limited to this forum. I just returned from a one week cruise and there were about 100 Villages residents on board. Every one that I talked to was tuned into this and not necessarily from this forum.

There was talk of "character" and a parallel drawn by some to the Montana woes.

[cabo35]

Has anybody thought about the fact that selling homes in The Villages is the #1 priority of the developer and that the more renowned names that are associated with The Villages, the more attractive it would be to locate here?

I thought the donations were going for equipment that will belong to the Hospital Alliance - not Moffit. If true the answers to the questions are correct.

Correct Quietman. All the equipment purchased with the donations will belong to The Villages Health System. Therefore the answers to the three questions is no.


If you do not want to donate to the Moffit Center - don't donate. No one is forcing you to donate. [/B]

The succinct , stunning genius of the above posts is so refreshing and relevant. Thank you.

:coolsmiley:

[K9-Lovers]

Indeed, deciding whether to donate to "The Mission for Moffitt" was the point of this thread. I'd been trying to decide, I got my questions answered and I shared the answers with others who are deciding.

I sincerely don't understand what this has to do with TV being a wonderful place to live, or the developer having done a wonderful job making this slice of heaven available to us. I don't see what it has to do with the fact that we've never had it so good. This is about deciding whether to donate to "Mission for Moffitt".

I also struggle to understand the inability or unwillingness to distinguish among traits of genius, vision, acumen, ethics and personal integrity.

For example, it's possible to be a great businessman, produce a great product and be highly ethical. Bon Jovi and Warren Buffett pop to mind.
One can be a great business person, produce a wildly popular but flawed product and be highly ethical. Bill Gates comes to mind. One can be great business person, produce a popular, sought-after product and be highly unethical. Bernie Madoff and Ken Lay come to mind.

It is possible the Morse's possess all of these traits in abundance; it's possible they have great genius, vision and acumen and rate less well or even poorly or even pathetically on the ethics and/or personal integrity scales. Isn't it?

Or does it make more sense, as Tbug's and other posts in previous threads seem to me to imply, to accept or acknowledge no distinction among traits of genius, vision, acumen, ethics and personal integrity.

Very clear analogical reasoning . :clap2:

[Bogie Shooter]

Try reading the above posts............while working on your second scotch.

[swrinfla]

I've been a member of this forum for a long time. After reading every post so far in this particular thread, I find myself wondering why I've done so!

In fact, Talk Host and Tony, I am inclined to say that this thread should be deemed "political," and removed from general access accordingly!

Personally, I heartily applaud Tbugs entry and Bosoxfan's endorsement thereof.

I think I have posted previously that I have made a reasonably substantial donation on behalf of the Moffitt's equipment needs, primarily in memory of my late wife who would have benefited immensely from Moffitt's advertised style of care, had she lived to even know about this Place!

I fully understand that the style of debate available in this forum is an American Heritage. I just wish we could discuss it without being so altogether negative!

'Nuff said!

SWR
:beer3:

[ajakk]

I've been a member of this forum for a long time. After reading every post so far in this particular thread, I find myself wondering why I've done so!

In fact, Talk Host and Tony, I am inclined to say that this thread should be deemed "political," and removed from general access accordingly!

Personally, I heartily applaud Tbugs entry and Bosoxfan's endorsement thereof.

I think I have posted previously that I have made a reasonably substantial donation on behalf of the Moffitt's equipment needs, primarily in memory of my late wife who would have benefited immensely from Moffitt's advertised style of care, had she lived to even know about this Place!

I fully understand that the style of debate available in this forum is an American Heritage. I just wish we could discuss it without being so altogether negative!

'Nuff said!

I don't see how this can be political, when we are discussing the ethical and moral issues of misleading donors like yourself.

[Advogado]

I've been a member of this forum for a long time. After reading every post so far in this particular thread, I find myself wondering why I've done so!

In fact, Talk Host and Tony, I am inclined to say that this thread should be deemed "political," and removed from general access accordingly!

Personally, I heartily applaud Tbugs entry and Bosoxfan's endorsement thereof.

I think I have posted previously that I have made a reasonably substantial donation on behalf of the Moffitt's equipment needs, primarily in memory of my late wife who would have benefited immensely from Moffitt's advertised style of care, had she lived to even know about this Place!

I fully understand that the style of debate available in this forum is an American Heritage. I just wish we could discuss it without being so altogether negative!

'Nuff said!

SWR
:beer3:

People are negative on this subject because there is plenty to be negative about.

[katezbox]

People are negative on this subject because there is plenty to be negative about.

That is true...

However,

SWR - you made a donation in the memory of someone you love.

While I deplore all this information that the Morse family has been less than truthful with us, that can in no way take away from your wonderful generosity and that will help so many suffering from this terrible disease.

[Pturner]

I've been a member of this forum for a long time. After reading every post so far in this particular thread, I find myself wondering why I've done so!

In fact, Talk Host and Tony, I am inclined to say that this thread should be deemed "political," and removed from general access accordingly!

Personally, I heartily applaud Tbugs entry and Bosoxfan's endorsement thereof.

I think I have posted previously that I have made a reasonably substantial donation on behalf of the Moffitt's equipment needs, primarily in memory of my late wife who would have benefited immensely from Moffitt's advertised style of care, had she lived to even know about this Place!

I fully understand that the style of debate available in this forum is an American Heritage. I just wish we could discuss it without being so altogether negative!

'Nuff said!

SWR
:beer3:

Hi Swinfla,
I had not commented previously about the Moffitt Center. Some issues raised were unclear to me. My intent was to share information I had learned and seek others' evaluation of its relevance and significance.

I feel terrible that I started a thread that causes you sadness. Your donation was worthy and kind. You are someone I respect and admire. I'm sorry.

[graciegirl]

Hi Swinfla,
I had not commented previously about the Moffitt Center. Some issues raised were unclear to me. My intent was to share information I had learned and seek others' evaluation of its relevance and significance.

I feel terrible that I started a thread that causes you sadness. Your donation was worthy and kind. You are someone I respect and admire. I'm sorry.

And THAT is the reason I love you and trust you and .....

people like you and Swrinfla are the reason that it is Paradise to me.

[Sgtsixpack]

While I have not been a contributor, I must say the thread is interesting- Not so much the issue of the Developer vs Good/Evil but what a field day Freud would have analyzing the responses and /or the respondees.

[Talk Host]

Putting this thread (topic) into "Political" would make that forum a dust bin into which we place all controversial conversations. This isn't a political discussion and that's not what the "political" forum is for.

While this topic may be unpleasant to some, it is of keen interest to many. I personally don't think that it's the "to contribute or not contribute" aspect that has riled people. I believe it's the inability to learn what is fact and what is not fact that rankles residents. The lingering fear that perhaps the developer was not been completely forthcoming about how this will play in his financial favor.

I find it annoying that they would just plain "ignore" or "skirt" these questions, just like my parents did to me when I was a little kid when they thought I didn't need to know the answers or thought I wouldn't understand....or thought it was none of by business.

If you read these posts carefully, you will see that this community is made up of immensely intelligent, articulate, and clear thinking people. If (IF) there is ever an attempt to "pull the wool" over their eyes, they won't allow it. Bully for them.

JLK

[cabo35]

Hi Swinfla,
I had not commented previously about the Moffitt Center. Some issues raised were unclear to me. My intent was to share information I had learned and seek others' evaluation of its relevance and significance.

I feel terrible that I started a thread that causes you sadness. Your donation was worthy and kind. You are someone I respect and admire. I'm sorry.

Be of good cheer. Kipling's "If" captures the essence of what it takes to be a good person. One thought expressed is most relevant to the current circumstance.

"If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools........"

Along with many others, I appreciate the stellar effort you exercised in securing first hand information related to the dialog. Unfortunately those with intransient positions embraced the answers you offered and contrived them to fit their bias. Those who viewed them with an open mind appreciate your effort as well.

In time, the truth will reveal itself, a new cancer care option will be available to Villagers and you will still be a "good person", helping many make informed decisions in turbulent and uncharted waters. Thank you.

[katezbox]

Be of good cheer. Kipling's "If" captures the essence of what it takes to be a good person. One thought expressed is most relevant to the current circumstance.

"If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools........"

Along with many others, I appreciate the stellar effort you exercised in securing first hand information related to the dialog. Unfortunately those with intransient positions embraced the answers you offered and contrived them to fit their bias. Those who viewed them with an open mind appreciate your effort as well.

In time, the truth will reveal itself, a new cancer care option will be available to Villagers and you will still be a "good person", helping many make informed decisions in turbulent and uncharted waters. Thank you.

Here here!

[EdV]

I think that the straw that broke the camel’s back was when the developer pulled the rug out from under the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event at the last minute and initially hid behind a lame excuse about the field needing some kind of scheduled maintenance without offering an alternative location in TV.

Eventually a proclamation was issued by “The King” banning all future charitable events in TV that would not benefit the Moffitt Center.

What unmitigated gall for him to feel that he can dictate what charitable events can be held in your own community.

[Larry Wilson]

EdVinMass,
You are so right. I want to make contributions to help the family as they bully out Relay for Life.
They only have 3 jets and one yacht that I know of...they need more money from us.

[Tbugs]

Did any of you read the excellent column written in the Sun from the founder of Relay for Life a week or so ago? He threw his support behind the Moffitt Center instead of the American Cancer Society. Folks, this is a LOCAL thing that will benefit US in The Villages.

The American Cancer Society is nationwide and is mainly research. It is important but I want something local. The Cancer Society would not participate with the Moffitt Center. My wife tried to get assistance from the American Cancer Society for her sister. No assistance of any kind was given.

Once again, people, giving money to the Moffitt Center is 100% voluntary. If you do not want to donate, don't donate. Send your donations to the American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, local food banks, PETA, or whatever you want. If you do not want to donate to any cause, no one is going to know. Charitable donations are entirely up to yourself.

[cabo35]

Eventually a proclamation was issued by “The King” banning all future charitable events in TV that would not benefit the Moffitt Center.

What unmitigated gall for him to feel that he can dictate what charitable events can be held in your own community.

EdVinMass,
You are so right. .



You have made and affirmed stunning and disturbing allegations. Could you share with us the source of the "banning all future charitable events in TV that would not benefit the Moffitt Center" assertion.

Is it in writing? A source citation or link would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[JimJoe]

How would we feel if Oxford required that half of all money raised in the Relay for Life this year had to be donated to charity in Oxford?

[English Ivy]

Did any of you read the excellent column written in the Sun from the founder of Relay for Life a week or so ago? He threw his support behind the Moffitt Center instead of the American Cancer Society. Folks, this is a LOCAL thing that will benefit US in The Villages.

Sonny Resmondo is a Vice President of something or other for The Villages. Of course he's going to throw his support behind his employer's project.

[ajakk]

Sonny Resmondo is a Vice President of something or other for The Villages. Of course he's going to throw his support behind his employer's project.

Sonny Resmondo is Project manager for The Villages. The other contributor supporting the developer in the Daily Sun was Evan Richards, The Villages Health System Auxiliary fundraiser chairman and VHA vice president. Do you think they felt obligated to support Moffitt/Morse???

The monies raised by Evan's auxiliary of The Villages Health System was "donated" to The Villages Health System - can anyone appreciate the irony in that?

[Russ_Boston]

Sonny Resmondo is Project manager for The Villages. The other contributor supporting the developer in the Daily Sun was Evan Richards, The Villages Health System Auxiliary fundraiser chairman and VHA vice president. Do you think they felt obligated to support Moffitt/Morse???

The monies raised by Evan's auxiliary of The Villages Health System was "donated" to The Villages Health System - can anyone appreciate the irony in that?

Other than renting the building to CFHA how come you keep putting Morse in the picture. This is a CFHA thing with Moffitt and to my knowledge Morse (or any other family member) has no financial control of CFHA.

Am I missing something?

[EdV]

You have made and affirmed stunning and disturbing allegations. Could you share with us the source of the "banning all future charitable events in TV that would not benefit the Moffitt Center" assertion.

Is it in writing? A source citation or link would be appreciated.

Thank you.

In one of the responses to the allegations that TV had in fact attempted to strong arm the ACS for half the proceeds, a TV spokesperson stated that all of TV’s efforts would now be focused on Moffitt.

That’s their ‘market speak’ for saying that they will be controlling fund raising events until the Moffitt goal is reached.

Can’t put my finger on a link just now. Anybody else remember where it appeared?

[same]

This is what the American Cancer Society does according to Wikipedia. Only 14% for research. ...They are closing in on the BBB 35% limit.

From Wikipedia: The society’s allocation of funds for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2005 lists 70% of funds for Program Services (Research 14%, Prevention 20%, Patient Support 20%, Detection and Treatment 16%). The remaining 30% are allocated for supporting services (Fundraising 22%, and Management, General administration 8%) meeting the Better Business Bureau's Standards for Charity Accountability (At least 65% to program services and no more than 35% to overhead and fundraising expenses).[7]

[Russ_Boston]

This is what the American Cancer Society does according to Wikipedia. Only 14% for research. ...They are closing in on the BBB 35% limit.

From Wikipedia: The society’s allocation of funds for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2005 lists 70% of funds for Program Services (Research 14%, Prevention 20%, Patient Support 20%, Detection and Treatment 16%). The remaining 30% are allocated for supporting services (Fundraising 22%, and Management, General administration 8%) meeting the Better Business Bureau's Standards for Charity Accountability (At least 65% to program services and no more than 35% to overhead and fundraising expenses).[7]

Yes it's nice to barely be above the lowest acceptable level!:shrug:

22% for fund raising shows what I've been saying in all these threads - fund raising is a dog eat dog game. I've seen it in person when doing work for the United Way. Yes, they do good with the other 70% but make no mistake about it - the people at the top don't live on PB & J sandwiches. To them it's all BUSINESS. They make their money by directing limited charity dollars to themselves.

[redwitch]

Other than renting the building to CFHA how come you keep putting Morse in the picture. This is a CFHA thing with Moffitt and to my knowledge Morse (or any other family member) has no financial control of CFHA.

Am I missing something?

We keep Morse in the picture because Morse put himself squarely in the picture. When we were first told of the "donation" of the land and building, it wasn't being done by CFHA, the land and building came directly from the developer and was touted as such. Yes, the money received for the Moffitt Center is going into a charitable fund but there seems to be a lot of secrecy as to who is in charge of the funds, including how the distributions will ultimately go, who will be in charge of the distributions, etc. When I asked at the office in LSL, I was told it would be decided by the "committee." When I asked who was on the committee, I was told it hadn't yet been decided. Would at least one member of the Morse family be on this committee and, if so, who -- I was ushered out the door since I was obviously against a cancer center being built here and I should be ashamed of myself! HUH???

Whether we like it or not, the Morse family pretty much has its finger in every pie in TV. I sincerely doubt there is one decision made here that is not approved by someone in the family. They've worked too hard to build this community the way they want it to be (which is not saying it isn't a good thing) and that's not going to change regardless of any changes the residents want.

[Advogado]

This is what the American Cancer Society does according to Wikipedia. Only 14% for research. ...They are closing in on the BBB 35% limit.

From Wikipedia: The society’s allocation of funds for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2005 lists 70% of funds for Program Services (Research 14%, Prevention 20%, Patient Support 20%, Detection and Treatment 16%). The remaining 30% are allocated for supporting services (Fundraising 22%, and Management, General administration 8%) meeting the Better Business Bureau's Standards for Charity Accountability (At least 65% to program services and no more than 35% to overhead and fundraising expenses).[7]

Assuming Wikipedia's numbers are correct, what is your point? It appears that the American Cancer Society is within the BBB guidelines.

Can you give us comparable numbers for the Central Florida Health Alliance, The Villages Health System, and Villages Health System Foundation? More importantly, can you tell us what the Developer's financial stake is in the Moffitt fund-raising drive?

[Russ_Boston]

We keep Morse in the picture because Morse put himself squarely in the picture. When we were first told of the "donation" of the land and building, it wasn't being done by CFHA, the land and building came directly from the developer and was touted as such. Yes, the money received for the Moffitt Center is going into a charitable fund but there seems to be a lot of secrecy as to who is in charge of the funds, including how the distributions will ultimately go, who will be in charge of the distributions, etc. When I asked at the office in LSL, I was told it would be decided by the "committee." When I asked who was on the committee, I was told it hadn't yet been decided. Would at least one member of the Morse family be on this committee and, if so, who -- I was ushered out the door since I was obviously against a cancer center being built here and I should be ashamed of myself! HUH???

Whether we like it or not, the Morse family pretty much has its finger in every pie in TV. I sincerely doubt there is one decision made here that is not approved by someone in the family. They've worked too hard to build this community the way they want it to be (which is not saying it isn't a good thing) and that's not going to change regardless of any changes the residents want.

Yes I understand that but, correct me if I'm wrong, the equipment to be purchased will be property of CFHA. Yes? And if so how would Morse, other than renting the property, receive any direct financial benefit? Of course there is indirect financial benefit promoting TV etc but that is why any business gets recruited to TV.

[Russ_Boston]

Assuming Wikipedia's numbers are correct, what is your point? It appears that the American Cancer Society is within the BBB guidelines.

Can you give us comparable numbers for the Central Florida Health Alliance, The Villages Health System, and Villages Health System Foundation? More importantly, can you tell us what the Developer's financial stake is in the Moffitt fund-raising drive?

My point is that 20% for fund raising is high. http://www.charitynavigator.org/ For example: The Central Florida United way is 6.5% for fund raising with 86% to services. Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Breast Cancer) is 6% and 84%. I will guarantee you that CFHA, since their business in medicine not fund raising, will be nowhere near that number either but they are not a charity so they are not listed.

And I can't tell you what the Developer's stake is other than renting the building (and that amount must be small in the whole scheme of their commercial entities). And so far not one other person including Ritchie has indicated what the money connection might be. I'd like that answer as well but my guess is that Morse's connection is indirect money by making TV more attractive etc. The amount to be raised (6m?) is small change to Morse.

[redwitch]

Russ, I honestly have no clue how much money the Morses will ultimately make from this deal. That they will make money is a given. They are good businessmen and it would be dumb to not make money out of this deal. That they would lie to and basically bully TVers to get the necessary funding is the issue.

I always thought that TV-Moffitt was, has been and is more of an ego thing -- why should Leesburg get a Moffitt Center and not TV? Yes, it will be great advertising to say that a major cancer center has an affiliate on TV grounds, but I honestly think that is but a small part of it. I think it is the status and I'd be seriously surprised if TV-Moffitt wasn't up and running before Leesburg-Moffitt.

The Morses will make a nice profit on the lease of the "donated" property. I'm sure that if we dig deep enough, we can find a direct connection between CFHA and the Morses, but why bother? They more than have a right to be affiliated with CFHA, both the CFHA Company and CFHA, Inc. -- they are an integral part TV's hospital and, thus, CFHA. Their making a profit is not the issue (at least not to me). It's the lying, the greed, the arrogance.

[Russ_Boston]

Their making a profit is not the issue (at least not to me). It's the lying, the greed, the arrogance.

Agreed - but people keep insinuating that there must be some $$ deal between Moffitt, CFHA and Morse. Can't believe that the small sq. footage to be leased is a very high percentage of the overall lease space TV has. My point is that it is ALL business. On the part of CFHA, Moffitt, Morse, the other radiation center and even the American Cancer Society (when it comes to Relay money). They all want a piece of the pie.

But yes I don't like being lied to either. But I think the only provable lie so far has been the comment about donating the new building. Have there been others? (and please post a direct link to show the rest of us, don't just say it.)

I'm trying to be open minded about this without picking any side. But for the most part I just keep seeing innuendos. Neither Ritchie or the POA article had any real answers. Yes, sometimes where there is smoke there is fire but I'll look for final answers not just more questions. To make accusations like I've been reading I'll need real proof.

[Tbugs]

Hey folks,

Instead of griping about money that the Morse family is going to earn from this venture - celebrate that you will have a top-notch cancer facility LOCALLY.

You are not going to have to drive to Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville, or even Leesburg. It is going to be local.

There is always the possibility that the Morse family will get tired of the griping and accusations and pull the plug on the whole deal. Would you celebrate that as a victory? I wouldn't.

[redwitch]

Tbugs, yes, I would celebrate it as a victory if Moffitt Center was pulled from TV, at least if we can't get straight answers and we're left with feeling that the entire thing is built on lies. Leesburg will have one and would actually be closer to those in the southern part of TV than TV-Moffitt would be. We're not talking of having to drive to Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Gainesville or any great distance. We're talking Leesburg! Sorry, I do consider that local even though not golf cart accessible (and, having gone through chemo, the last thing I want to do is take a drive in a golf cart after treatment).

[barb1191]

Tbugs, yes, I would celebrate it as a victory if Moffitt Center was pulled from TV, at least if we can't get straight answers and we're left with feeling that the entire thing is built on lies. Leesburg will have one and would actually be closer to those in the southern part of TV than TV-Moffitt would be. We're not talking of having to drive to Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Gainesville or any great distance. We're talking Leesburg! Sorry, I do consider that local even though not golf cart accessible (and, having gone through chemo, the last thing I want to do is take a drive in a golf cart after treatment).

My sentiments.....exactly!!

[RetiredDoc]

As a retired physician, I have followed the Moffitt Cancer Center odyssey for months. We are all of an age at which we have experienced a great deal in our lives. There are many sources of information and "spin" out there. The developer has no responsibility to fully inform consumers of every detail of this business venture. The consumer (donor) can choose to donate or not. If you feel you have been misled, you could have investigated further through the internet.

[ajakk]

As a retired physician, I have followed the Moffitt Cancer Center odyssey for months. We are all of an age at which we have experienced a great deal in our lives. There are many sources of information and "spin" out there. The developer has no responsibility to fully inform consumers of every detail of this business venture. The consumer (donor) can choose to donate or not. If you feel you have been misled, you could have investigated further through the internet.

Are you saying it is OK for the developer to mislead Villagers in order to get donations for the Moffitt affiliate? Then I guess it's OK for a physician to order unnecessary procedures for a patient because they should have investigated further through the internet.

[Advogado]

Are you saying it is OK for the developer to mislead Villagers in order to get donations for the Moffitt affiliate? Then I guess it's OK for a physician to order unnecessary procedures for a patient because they should have investigated further through the internet.

Well said.

[ajakk]

Other than renting the building to CFHA how come you keep putting Morse in the picture. This is a CFHA thing with Moffitt and to my knowledge Morse (or any other family member) has no financial control of CFHA.

Am I missing something?

Yes, CFHA has nothing to do with the fund drive. CFHA is the parent company for Leesburg Hospital and The Village Health System, which is doing the fundraising. Morse is very much involved with The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation Inc. I don't keep putting him in the picture, he did that himself by conspiring to mislead people who believe he would look out for their best interests.

Known corporate affiliations. Click on a circle, it's interactive. Provided by Whalen

http://www.corporationwiki.com/graphs/roamer.aspx?id=14993004

[Challenger]

Yes, CFHA has nothing to do with the fund drive. CFHA is the parent company for Leesburg Hospital and The Village Health System, which is doing the fundraising. Morse is very much involved with The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation Inc. I don't keep putting him in the picture, he did that himself by conspiring to mislead people who believe he would look out for their best interests.

Known corporate affiliations. Click on a circle, it's interactive. Provided by Whalen

http://www.corporationwiki.com/graphs/roamer.aspx?id=14993004

The Villages Regional Hospital System, it's Foundation and parent organization(CFHA) are all legitimate not for profit entities. Contributions to any of these are generally tax deductible to the donors. Their literature indicates they have embarked on a cooperative effort with Moffitt Cancer Centers(also a not for profit.) If a Morse is involved with one of these entities he most likely serves as an unpaid director or trustee. Not for profits have limitations on payments to such officials and as I recall they are limited to out of pocket expenses of the receiving party related to travel/attendance costs. The boards of the organizations have a fiduciary duty to see that expenses including rent payments are reasonable( usually defined as at market) even if the lessor is associated in some way with the organization. A director/trustee involved in such a leasing arrangement should abstain from voting to approve such a transaction. At this point I see nothing that would lead me to believe that this is not an effort that villagers should support. Of course we are all free to decide which projects we will contribute to, but much of the criricism that I read in the TOTV seems to relate to a dislike of a Morse and not the value of the project. If my understanding of the situation is not accurate, I would be happy to hear from others. However please don't impune my motive in posting here. We've heard enough of that.

[Russ_Boston]

.

[Russ_Boston]

Yes, CFHA has nothing to do with the fund drive. CFHA is the parent company for Leesburg Hospital and The Village Health System, which is doing the fundraising. Morse is very much involved with The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation Inc. I don't keep putting him in the picture, he did that himself by conspiring to mislead people who believe he would look out for their best interests.

Known corporate affiliations. Click on a circle, it's interactive. Provided by Whalen

http://www.corporationwiki.com/graphs/roamer.aspx?id=14993004

Nice graph - But please ajakk, can you explain to me HOW this makes Morse any money other than the rental of the office space? I understand that you and Red and others don't like HOW they went about doing this but where is the money being put into the wrong hands? Please cite all sources for verification. Thanks.

[cabo35]

The Villages Regional Hospital System, it's Foundation and parent organization(CFHA) are all legitimate not for profit entities. Contributions to any of these are generally tax deductible to the donors. Their literature indicates they have embarked on a cooperative effort with Moffitt Cancer Centers(also a not for profit.) If a Morse is involved with one of these entities he most likely serves as an unpaid director or trustee. Not for profits have limitations on payments to such officials and as I recall they are limited to out of pocket expenses of the receiving party related to travel/attendance costs. The boards of the organizations have a fiduciary duty to see that expenses including rent payments are reasonable( usually defined as at market) even if the lessor is associated in some way with the organization. A director/trustee involved in such a leasing arrangement should abstain from voting to approve such a transaction. At this point I see nothing that would lead me to believe that this is not an effort that villagers should support. Of course we are all free to decide which projects we will contribute to, but much of the criricism that I read in the TOTV seems to relate to a dislike of a Morse and not the value of the project. If my understanding of the situation is not accurate, I would be happy to hear from others. However please don't impune my motive in posting here. We've heard enough of that.

Thank you for an informed, articulate representation of the facts. You have defined the circumstances fairly and objectively leaving room for those who disagree with the latitude to do so. Well done.

[iaudit]

The Villages Regional Hospital System, it's Foundation and parent organization(CFHA) are all legitimate not for profit entities. Contributions to any of these are generally tax deductible to the donors. Their literature indicates they have embarked on a cooperative effort with Moffitt Cancer Centers(also a not for profit.) If a Morse is involved with one of these entities he most likely serves as an unpaid director or trustee. Not for profits have limitations on payments to such officials and as I recall they are limited to out of pocket expenses of the receiving party related to travel/attendance costs. The boards of the organizations have a fiduciary duty to see that expenses including rent payments are reasonable( usually defined as at market) even if the lessor is associated in some way with the organization. A director/trustee involved in such a leasing arrangement should abstain from voting to approve such a transaction. At this point I see nothing that would lead me to believe that this is not an effort that villagers should support. Of course we are all free to decide which projects we will contribute to, but much of the criricism that I read in the TOTV seems to relate to a dislike of a Morse and not the value of the project. If my understanding of the situation is not accurate, I would be happy to hear from others. However please don't impune my motive in posting here. We've heard enough of that.

According to the link for the Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, the Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. is located at 1020 Lake Sumter Lndg The Villages, FL 32162. The officers include H. Gary Morse, Jennifer L Parr, Lee S Huntley, Mark G Morse, Tracy L Mathews. The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. was incorporated on Tuesday, October 26, 1999 in the State of FL and is currently active. Steven M Roy represents The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. as their registered agent.
Source: Public Record data - Department of State - Division of Corporations.

If members of the family abstained from voting, only Lee S. Huntley would be making the decisions by himself. He is listed as the President and CEO of the Central Florida Health Alliance.

[Russ_Boston]

According to the link for the Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, the Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. is located at 1020 Lake Sumter Lndg The Villages, FL 32162. The officers include H. Gary Morse, Jennifer L Parr, Lee S Huntley, Mark G Morse, Tracy L Mathews. The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. was incorporated on Tuesday, October 26, 1999 in the State of FL and is currently active. Steven M Roy represents The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. as their registered agent.
Source: Public Record data - Department of State - Division of Corporations.

If members of the family abstained from voting, only Lee S. Huntley would be making the decisions by himself. He is listed as the President and CEO of the Central Florida Health Alliance.

Yes, that is the fund raising arm of the hospital. Not in control of hospital operations. Correct?

[Challenger]

Yes, that is the fund raising arm of the hospital. Not in control of hospital operations. Correct?

Correct. See filings with the FLorida Department of State-Division of Corporations, ie Articles of Incorporation, Annual Reports and Others.

[Challenger]

Yes, that is the fund raising arm of the hospital. Not in control of hospital operations. Correct?

Correct, See Florida Department of State -Division of Corporations filings, ie Articles of Incorporation, Annual Reports etc

[cabo35]

As a retired physician, I have followed the Moffitt Cancer Center odyssey for months. We are all of an age at which we have experienced a great deal in our lives. There are many sources of information and "spin" out there. The developer has no responsibility to fully inform consumers of every detail of this business venture. The consumer (donor) can choose to donate or not. If you feel you have been misled, you could have investigated further through the internet.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to the dialog. Putting the fiscal and business gymnastics aside, as a physician, would you consider Moffitt's
establishment in the Villages a net plus? It's been argued that Moffitt is not needed because we have one cancer care facility in the Villages already and another in Leesburg.

Can you offer any other insights through your unique professional perspective. To date, the fog of flawed facts has inflated emotions, clouded the issue and reduced the pursuit of quality care to hyperbole and useless finger pointing.

Perhaps views from someone with your experience will provide the enlightenment we need to move forward.

In any case, thanks for contributing.

[redwitch]

Just a quick correction to Cabo's question -- my argument has always been that Moffitt is building a cancer satellite/center in Leesburg, 20 minute drive (max) from TV. Given that there will be a Moffitt Center so close, do we really need another Moffitt Center in TV itself?

[Number 6]

Nice graph - But please ajakk, can you explain to me HOW this makes Morse any money other than the rental of the office space? I understand that you and Red and others don't like HOW they went about doing this but where is the money being put into the wrong hands? Please cite all sources for verification. Thanks.


As someone said back there aways, by selling more houses. It is just as simple as that.

[graciegirl]

As someone said back there aways, by selling more houses. It is just as simple as that.

I don't think there is a problem with them selling houses.

Jim McLaughlin our villages rep told us Sunday that they are selling between 200-300 homes a month and the population is at 80+K. He said that at buildout our population will be around 100K and predictions for buildout is in 2014.

Won't be long.

[Russ_Boston]

As someone said back there aways, by selling more houses. It is just as simple as that.

I have no problem with that. But by that logic you're saying that the cancer center is an asset that will draw people to sales. That would fly in the face of what many on this thread say about too many cancer facilities nearby.

If there is a money reason behind this I think it must still be other.

[redwitch]

I know they'll make money on the leases of the building. Gut feeling says they'll make money renting the equipment to Moffitt. Absolutely no question that it is a great selling point to have a cancer center as pretigious as Moffitt on TV grounds and golf cart accessible. My thoughts have always been that it was more for the ego of saying it is on TV property than anything else. My gripe is with all the lies that have been presented to us, not with Moffitt per se (although I do think it is unnecessary and a colossal waste of money at the expense of those who believed the initial stories).

[Midge538]

All of this gets me to wondering if the developer and the Daily Sun were again just having fun with us in the past when they reported that due to those nasty Buffalo biting all of the little fingers on that field near Sumter Landing, the Buffalo would have to be immediately (?????) Fortunately that large development project quickly followed on that land.

[nitakk]

The developer has no responsibility to fully inform consumers of every detail of this business venture.

Really??? You got to be kidding me - he want us to fund the equipment but has no responsibility to inform us of the financial arrangment? Of course he has that responsibility, both morally and ethically. A reasonable and prudent person would not lay out capital for a business venture without knowing all pertinent financial arrangements. If you don't want to answer any questions, buy it yourself - but if you want me to help you buy it, you will give me full disclosure. From what I saw in the "newspaper", it seems that people are starting to put this puzzle together. The list of donors is getting shorter and shorter each week. Morse has run out of contractors who do business with him and probably had to donate to keep doing business, so the large donations appear to have dried up. The only thing he can't control here, open and free speech - what America is all about - is coming back to bite him.

[nomadman]

My thought is if the Moffitt center affiliate doesn't come here, so what. We have the equally capable Robert Bouisinault (sp?) facility now and from their Daily Sun articles, there won't be anything new or better from Moffitt. They didn't get any money from TV either, but still managed to open the business.

[nomadman]

In response to Midge538 observations, when we bought here in 2005 the development was quickly moving south of Sumter Landing and there were beautiful vistas of land, buffalo roaming, as well as the golf courses. I somehow got the idea that these areas of open greenspace were here to stay. WRONG. Now we see the developer coming back to these areas and putting houses wherever they can be crammed in. The beautiful vista of the Waterfront Inn as you travel down Buena Vista is gone. Stillwater Trail is now a corridor of walls. Soon walls block the Arnold Palmer course along 466. If this were all here when we came we would have kept moving on.

[graciegirl]

My thought is if the Moffitt center affiliate doesn't come here, so what. We have the equally capable Robert Bouisinault (sp?) facility now and from their Daily Sun articles, there won't be anything new or better from Moffitt. They didn't get any money from TV either, but still managed to open the business.

That is a radiation center. It is not a multidiscipline cancer center.

[Russ_Boston]

That is a radiation center. It is not a multidiscipline cancer center.

Save the keystrokes Gracie. You can say it (and we have) over and over again but somehow someone will bring that apples to oranges argument up again.