The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • Page 296

OCTOBER 9, 1991 LOS ANGELES TIMES WEDNESDAY, CHARITY: Evaporation of Donations from A3 of Lakewood, is Marlowe Johnson's and was once National bookkeeper. Board Marybeth Powell is an of National Marketing. The chairman of the board, Thomas Richardson is a friend of Marlowe Johnson, says that he plans to hire at National Marketing. According to Benkoil, National provides office space, and support services, and "acts as "controller" for the charity by depositing donations and disbursing payments. Both Johnson and Benkoil said they see no reason to question the between the charity and National Marketing.

Benkoil acknowledged that the charity's board did little more than decide on which wishes to grant has not reviewed the performdance of its fund-raisers. Records show that National Marketing collected $1.1 million year on behalf of the Chil'dren's Wish Fund and turned over of that amount to the -and most of that was by administrative expenses. In all, only five children benefited from the fund in 1990, In the suit, Atty. Gen. Dan named Benkoil and the board members as well as National Marketing and other fund-raisers as parties to the alleged fraud.

Took at this whole machine," operation said 25 a money Deputy Atty. Gen. Peter K. Shack. "The money is going into the top and most is going out to fund-raisers, leaving only a little trickle for the Benkoil and National Marketing's Johnson argue that the charity's operations are legal and that the lawsuit has delayed new fundraising agreements that would assure that more money would reach the children than it does now.

"Nobody drives limousines here," said Benkoil, who makes $36,400 a year as the charity's executive director. "I get the feeling over and over I am being called a crook and a cheat and a liar and I will get my day in court and I can't Johnson, owner of National Marketing, which handles all of the fund raising for Children's Wish Fund, is equally insistent that both are above reproach. "No one is taking money and putting it in their pockets," Johnson said. "Not a single penny has been misappropriated. Where is the fraud?" Benkoil contends that when he took over the reins of the charity in June, 1990, the fund was destitute.

He said he has been trying to revitalize it under a new board of directors. Since December, he said, the fund has granted cight wishes and has plans to grant another four soon. The $24,000 spent on wishes to date this year "is three times what my predecessor gave in any one year," he said. But the numbers pale beside better-known wish -granting charities -several of which report spending well over of the money they raise directly on sick youngsters and their families. A sked tribute why to his anyone fund a should when con- such a small amount actually reaches children, Benkoil replied, "Because we are helping children that other people are not helping." The fund, incorporated as the California Rainbow Children's Wish Foundation in 1986, has grown enormously since it was founded by Dennis M.

Cunningham. But from the start, very little of the money has actually reached children, according to the charity's filings with the Internal Revenue Service and the state attorney general. Of the $3.1 million raised in five years, has gone to In 1990, Cunningham left the professional fund- raisers. presidency, becoming a year consultant, paid by National Marketing from the money it collects for the charity, according to Marlowe Johnson. Benkoil said he terminated the contract in June.

"I didn't feel we were getting any benefits from it," he said. "It was impossible to get hold of him Cunningham is cited in the civil suit for accepting payments for consulting services that "were cither not performed or were of such a negligible or insignificant nature that they were without value" to the charity. Benkoil said that under his own leadership the charity has expanded into four other states. However, he refused to name them. In Arizona, the charity's telemarketing contractor, Zzones International Marketing, has already.

run into problems with the Better Business Bureau and the Scottsdale Pollce Depart- Comparing Children's Organizations State Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren has charged the Children's Wish Fund of Carson with fraudulent misrepresentation and wants to shut the charity down. The suit contends that Children's Wish Fund spends so much on fund raising and administration that it has little left to grant the wishes of dying children. The following is a comparison of Children's Wish Fund with other organizations that grant the wishes of dying or seriously ill youngsters.

Percentages indicate the portion of the total raised by each organization in the fiscal year 1990 that was spent on children or on fund raising: Children's Wish Fund Based in Carson AMOUNT RAISED AMOUNT TO CHILDREN FUND RAISING EXPENSES $1,255,728 $11,682 (0.9%) $1,155,029 Background: A Solano County Superior Court judge has barred the charity's professional fund-raisers from stating that the moncy collected will "in any substantial degree" be used to help dying children or "for any charitable purpose at all." The amount used for the charity's programs includes $10,431 to grant five wishes and $1,251 for balloons distributed at hospitals. The group has relied heavily on phone solicitation to raise money, Foundation of America, the world's largest wish charity. Raising money through service organizations and fundraising events, the group does no phone or door solicitations. Figures are for a five- month period in 1990, when expenditures exceeded the amount raised. Last year the group reported granting 209 wishes.

Los Angeles Make-A-Wish Foundation Based in Los Angeles AMOUNT RAISED AMOUNT TO CHILDREN FUND -RAISING EXPENSES $307,556 $242,626 $83,826 Background: One of 74 local affiliates of the Make- A- Wish other amusements to hospitals group raises money through special In its 1990 fiscal year, the group into its bank account. Starlight has money but is considering it. serving low- -income youngsters. The events including an annual gala. spent more than it raised, dipping not hired telemarketers to raise Starlight Foundation of Southern Callfornia Based in Los Angeles AMOUNT RAISED AMOUNT TO CHILDREN FUND-RAISING EXPENSES $343,319 $765,102 $65,424 Background: One of 11 chapters of Starlight Foundation International, the group also provides rooms with video games and Children's Wish Foundation International Based in Atlanta AMOUNT RAISED AMOUNT TO CHILDREN FUND-RAISING EXPENSES $693,193 $302,547 $294,993 Background: Because of the similarity of names, the Children's Wish Foundation believes it has been hurt most by the allegations about the Children's Wish Fund.

The two groups are not connected. The foundation has begun to rely heavily on professional telemarketers in some states. Founded by individuals who left -Wish, the foundation has had some problems with Georgia authoritics. In 1989, its officers agreed to pay $5,000 in fines because of an advertising campaign purporting to raise money for specifically named children who did not, in fact, exist. The organization is no longer on probation and complies with state law.

SOURCE: Internal Revenue Service forms filed with state attorney general ment. In an alert to members, the bureau warned that the charity does not meet the agency's standard that at least of the moncy collected should go toward the intended purpose. "When you're talking about terminally ill children, you're really pulling at heartstrings," said the Better Business Bureau's Karon Krause. Although the phone solicitors are paid by Zzones, "they were representing themselves as volunteers," she said. In fact, Zzones was operating under a contract with National Marketing that paid the Scottsdale company 78.5% of whatever it raised in Arizona.

"Our contention is that this is a typical -room operation," said Scottsdale Police Detective Sam Bailey. "One of the complaints is that somebody would arrive at the door a couple of hours later or the next day--a runner to pick up donations." Carlo Ardizzone, who co-founded Zzones, said he is losing money on his contract with National Marketing. He blamed the Better Business Bureau, local television reports and government agencies. Like other professionals raising money for the Children's Wish Fund, he said his only aim is a modest profit. "We don't want to be millionaires," he said.

National Marketing's Marlowe Johnson said that because of the cost of phone solicitation, Ardizzone and other telemarketing fund-raisers could not expect more than a or profit. The Zzones contract leaves 21.5% for the charity, Johnson said. Of that, National Marketing retains 9.5% for expenses and a profit of to In theory that should leave for the charity. However, Children's Wish Fund's records show that it received only half that in 1990. Benkoil becomes emotional describing what the charity has meant to the few children whose wishes have been granted.

"Until you see a look in a child's eye, who obviously believes nobody loves him any more, that even God doesn't love him because he's going to die, then somebody hugs he said. Not all of the families of the children are happy with the charity's performance. Wanda Cortez's 5-year-old granddaughter, Nicole Nino-Cortez, was born with a rare muscular disease that will eventually confine her to bed where she will lie, "totally still like a piece of paper," Cortez said. Never able to walk, and growing 1 UMBRELLAS Continued from A3 Rent company of Bakersfield that did the final assembly of the umbrellas. Thousands of tourists are also expected to be on hand for the opening today, which should begin about 7:30 a.m.

and could cause traffic jams on the Golden State Freeway, one of the critical transportation arteries in the state. The California Highway Patrol, which normally has about five patrol cars in the 18-mile area that the artwork covers, will have about 20 cars and a patrol helicopter. "We are gearing up for lots and lots of people," said Sgt. Jack Skaggs of the Tejon substation, which is in the middle of the umbrella project. "Our main aim is to keep I-5 moving." METZGER Continued from A3 of rent" in advance.

He now rents a place in Fallbrook. "I had the cash money to pay for the trailer (for sale within the and to pay for months' rentsix months rent," Metzger said. But he conceded that he hadn'ti offered, in the application, to ad-1 vance the money. It wouldn't have made any difference, Mahacck said. "Let's assume he paid five years up front," Mahacek said.

"What if he turns around in the next four months and files for bankruptcy, which is a definite concern here, We'd have to give the money back to the trustee in the bankruptcy, yet he'd still be in our park and we couldn't get him out." Obituary Alphonse Gallegos; Sacramento Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, Roman Cath- Order of Augustinian Recollects on olic auxiliary bishop of Sacramento May 24, 1958, in Sufferen, N.Y. since 1981 and a former pastor in In Los Angeles, Gallegos served Watts, has died at the age of 60. as archdiocesan adviser of educaGallegos died Sunday night in an tion and was pastor of San Miguel automobile accident in Sacramen- Church in Watts and Cristo Rey. to, his diocese announced Monday. Church.

Before his appointment in Born Feb. 20, 1931, in Albuquer- Sacramento, Gallegos was director que, N.M., Gallegos grew up in of the California Catholic Confer-. Watts. He was educated at Rock- ence's division of Hispanic hurst University in Kansas City, He is survived by a twin brother, Tomas College and St. John Uni- Eloy, and eight other siblings, all of.

versity in New York and Loyola Southern California. Marymount in Los Angeles. He A vigil is scheduled for 8 p.m. held master's degrees in psycholo- Thursday in Sacramento's Cathegy, education, religious studies and dral of the Blessed Sacrament. A inner-city education.

funeral Mass will be celebrated at He was ordained a priest for the 11 a.m. Friday. LOS Wa Buy FORD FORO COLETTO Looking wheels? More than a 22,000 or Davi listings per or week week. See ACCORD PP Automobiles stereo Sales PORT Los Angeles Times CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 01 smoker ca 1-800-LA TIMES ext288 DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS Groman- Mortuary YOUMB, Gregory M. BATOR, Frances E.

beloved mother of Cecil P. Bator and Sandra F. Sayier: also survived by five grandchildren. Pierce Brothers I Cunningham O'Connor. Hollywood BELINKIN, father William of M.D." Loving (Ray) Rosenthal; cherished grandfather of Marci Beth Barkan, and Laurence Barkan; devoted brother of Ida and Sophic Landon.

Services 11am, Wednesday at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Chapel, Mount Sinal Mortuary. BOWLES, Elizabeth Thompson 'Betsy' Preceded in death by her husband. Dr. Dwight F. Bowles; beloved mother of John (Carol) Bowles and Shirley (Arthur) Kendall; cherished grandmother of Denise Dejean, John D.

and Nancy R. Bowles, Michael and Bo Moody: great grandmother of Ted and Emily Donations may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, 230 No. Maryland Ave. Glendale, CA 91206. BRAKEMEYER, Marguerite Ellen O'Grady born on July 18, 1915 In Sequim, Washington: passed away peacefully on October 2, 1901 in Riverside.

California after several months illness. She was a cherIshed. loving mother and wonderful lady who accomplished much in her lifetime that started from meager beginnings. She will be remembered for her carcer of many years with Farmers Insurance Group by friends and colleagues, and also by those who met her later during years of retirement in Canyon Country and Riverside. She Is survived by her son, William of Riverside; sister.

Adaline and brother. Ruben 1cc of Tacoma. Washington and distant relatives. She will also be remembored by, her former husband, Done Palmdale. Services were privately held 15 she had requested, care of The Neptune Society.

Help for a needy child in her memory would be a fitting tribute for a fine woman who gave far more she ever received on this carth and has gone on to be with God. BULLOCK, Cyrli Knowles Inglewood Mortuary CAIN, Ira Mount Sinai Mortuary CARRARO, Thelma G. Forest Lawn Glendale COHEN, Shirley Ruth Powell Died on October 5, 1991 in Reseda. Survived by daughter, Betty Ice Finn, grandsons: Steve and Jeff of of L03 Angeles, and David Berkeley: also great- grandson, Samuel Altschuler Finn. Donations may be made to the Jewish Home for the Aging, 18855 Victory Blvd.

Reseda 91335, or to the American Cancer Society. DUGAN, Curtis Stanley age G6, native of Iola, Kansas: resident of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands from 1989 to 190L: former resident of Gilroy from 1985 to 1989, Ic WAs on chgincer in Acrospace for Space Vector Corporation, Chatsworth, for twenty years. A Navy veteran fo World War In, reared in Ventura. CA. Died In Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, on Monday, September 30, 1901.

Ile is survived by his wife, Judith Dugan of Kwajalein, Marshall sons, Thomas of Newbury Park. Brent of New Jcracy. Steve of Stockton, CA. and Paul of Merced, step-daughter. Kimberly Ordaz of Gilroy and Kenneth Adair of Pacifica, CA and Kevin Adair of Gilroy, also half- sister.

Rosetta Fisher of CA. DUROCHER, Lee Services Friday at the Old North Church, Forcst Lawn Hollywood Hills, Forest Lawn Mortuary, FLORES, Maria Services 1pm. Thursday, October 10, at Pierce Brothers Del Fox, Lawndale FRIEDMAN, Evelyn Beloved wife of Morris; adored mother of Jay Alan (Darlene) and Ion Friedman and Lynn (Mcl) Goodman; cherished grandmother of Steven Jeffrey. Michelle, Josh, Denise, Greg. Briny.

Matthew, and Barrie Rose. Service 10am, Thursday, at Holly wood Cemetery Chapel in Beth Olam Cemetery. In licu of flowers the family prefers donations to the American Heart Association. Glasband-Willen, North Hollywood Mortuary directors. GOTTA, Minale Forest Lawn Glendale GOULD, Stanley Rollin Passed away on October 6.

1991 at the age of 85, al Verdugo Hospital. The beloved husband of Ruth. of La Canada; and laving father of Jacqueline Demos ol Huntinglon Beach and Stanley Gould of Ian Canada; also survived by nine grandchildren and three great -grandchildren. Born in Portland Oregon, he behis architectural carcer at age 17. Coming Lo Los Angeles he became firt.

known as the architcet for the 1932 Olympics, then a principal ol Risicy and Gould Architects. In 1982 he was appointed to the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission, retirIng in 1987, Ic was a resident of Glendale for 37 years and of La Canada for the last 25 years. There will be no services at the request of the deceased. HAGAN, Walter R. passed away on October 5, 1991 of complications following surgery.

Charter member of St. Mark Presbyterian Church and longtime member of Newport Beach Country Club. Services to be held 3pm, Wednesday. October 9 al St. Mark Presbyterian Chaurch.

The family asks that in licu of flowerr, contributions be made to the Alliance For the Mentally IlL. He l3 survived by his wife, Nancy: his daughters: Patty PetersCh, Minda Cummins and Laura Weaver: five grandchildren and cight great- -grandchildren. HARDISON, Ronald K. Plerte Brothers Cunningham O'Connor, Hollywood HOFFMAN, Leah Beloved mother of Fritzie and Sylvia. Services 12 noon, Thursday at Hollywood Cemetery Chapel.

Willen, West Hollywood directors. KALINSKY Rose D. Services Thursday at Harrison Ross Mortuary, L.A. KRAUS, Bernhard Bernie age 58. of North Hollywood, California.

He was a chemist and a tutor. Memorial Service October 11, al Pralswater Funeral Home, Van Nuys LEWIN, Sarah Mount Sinal Mortuary MANOS, Kalllope age 93. born in Kalavrita, Grecce, mother of Harry Manos, Georgia Xanthos and Theodore Manos; mother-in-law of Georgia Manos, Peter Xanthos, and Elma Monos; sister of Bill Golf; also survived by five grandchildren and one great- granddaughter. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Greck Orthodox Church Building Fund or your favorite charity.

Trisagion Service 7pm, Wednesday, October 9, al Hope Chapel, Forest Lawn Cypress. Service 11am, Thursday, October 10. al St. John the Baptist Greck Orthodox Church. 405 No.

Dale, Anaheim, CA. Interment In Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 K. Florence Ave. Inglewood. Ca.

Forest Lawn Mortuary. NELLING, Robert M. passed away on October 4. 1991. Survived by his wife, Lilian; daughters, Pamela and Julie; alao granddaughters, Amanda and Lauren.

OKADA, Shigeo. 70, beloved husband of Sandie father of Gregg (Sandra). Paige and Jo Dec; grandfather of Kenneth and Matthew Okada-Swift; brother of Mani (Mary). Klyoshi, Takeo and Misako (Bruce) Koch, also survived by nephews and nicces. Funeral Saturday, October 12, at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W.

158th St. Gardena. Fukul Mortuary PELTON, Luella Mae died on October 1091 at her home tn Leisure Viltago after 1 lengthy Illness. She was 96 years old. Mrs.

Pelton was born on June 20, 1895, in Los Angeles, She had been a resident of Ventura County for the past seven years. She was the widow of George S. Pelton, a pioneer Los Angeles Automobile exccutive. She and her husband were early residents of Hidden Valley where they maintained a ranch home for many years. Mra.

Pelton attended Weatlake School in Los Angeles and was a member of the Nine o'clock Players, The California Club, DelAir Bay Club. She also kept a Palm Springs home at Smoke Tree Ranch. She is survived by daughters, Mra. William Worthingion of Camarillo, and Diane Pelton of Santa Barbara: a son, John Pelion of Nashville. Indiana: four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Family services private at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Glendale. Memorial donations may be made to the National Foundation, 320 Stark $404, Portland, Oregon 97219, or the Nature Conservancy. 785 Market St. San Francisco, Ca 94103.

PINTO, Mildred R. Pralswater Van Nuys PLUNKETT, Miller H. Born on May 6, 1921; died on October 4, 1991. Survived by five children; many grand and great -grandchildren; seven sisters and brothcra; also many nieces and nephews. Funeral Service Wednesday.

October 9, at Angelus Funeral Home, Los Angeles. POPKIN, Harry Marvin loving husband of Frances; and adoring father of Betty (Wilfred) Harrison and brother, Leo Charles and sister, Molly Elaine Popkin; also survived by two loving grandchildren, Linda Minnette Stone and Jack Sellgstone. Services 10am, Thursday. al Hollywood Temple Beth El, 1317 No. Crescent Heighta Blvd.

West Hollywood. In lieu of flowers donations to the Temple. Graman Mortuary directors. RAFANAN, Satera Bacud beloved wife of Basilio P. Rafanan; mother of Nestor (Shirley) Masaoay; survived by grandsons, Paul Edward Masaoay, and Mark Duane Masaooy, sister, Pinang Bacud; and cousin.

Isabilita Kimberly. Also survived by friends and loved ones in the Philippines and the United States. Services Saturday, Octaber 12, 1991 at the Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn Glendale, Forest Lawn Mortuary. Born on RINKENBERGER, February Helen.A, passed away suddenly on October 6. 1991.

Beloved wife of Darwin Rinkenberger: loving mother of Sally (Jack) Beck with and Gary (Kathy) Rinkenberger: proud and supportive Oma of Rick (Kay), Jack Jr. (Robyn), Randy (Corcy), Tim (Lisa) Beckwith. Wendy (Steve) Anderson. Mindy and Corey Beckwith. Tammy, Todd and Troy Rinkenberger: adoring great Oma of Ashley.

Brittany, Jacob, Cody, Katie and Allyson Beckwith. Special friend to all who knew her and everyone her life touched. Memorial service will be held on October 13, at 1pm, at the First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood. Forest Lawn Mortuary ROSEMAN, Morris loving father of Jack (Gloria), Eugene (Jeannic). and Bernard (Betty): grandfather of four: great -grandfather of one.

Graveside services 12 noon, Wednesday. (today) Int Eden Memorial Park. Glasband-Witten, West Hollywood directors. SCARAMUCCI, Vincent Lawrence 'Scari' born In San Pedro, California on August 11. 1911.

He was first generation Californian, both of his parents were from Italy, He passed away on October 8, 1991. Vince is survived by his beloved wife, June; along with sisters, Lucy Esposito and Anita Ramos; his brother-In-law, Glenn Ward and wife. Ann: sister-in-law. Joyce Plochere. Vince's many nieces nephews and and grand all grieve over his 1089.

His many friends on Catalina land. In Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Palm Springs and Honolulu, wilt miss his 'boundless energy', his wit and his ready smile for everyone, His friends and family have many memories of his last thirty- -five years in business in Avalon as owner of the popular Scari'a Restaurant and llotel, his Vincent's Sky Lounge and Hotel Vincente. Vince's home in Avalon is filled with pictures and momentos from his numerous friends and acquaintances, including many movic atars, politicians and sport figures. Vince love his sports and loved the Dodgers. Ic will be fondly remembered and missed by his cousin Joc Amalfitano, third base coach for the Dodgers.

Vince served in the U.S. Navy in World War It. He was attached to Admiral Nimitz's Headquarters and stationed in Pearl Harbor where he opcrated the Officers B.O.Q. He was also his Admiral's personal barber, as he had been a barber with his father in the 40s. He also had a business In San Pedro called Scari's Restaurant before he moved to Catalina Island.

Vince was active in many service clubs such 13, a Charter member of the Rotary and Lions Clubs in Avalon, a member of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, the Silver Dollar Club. American Logion, Footprinters, and he was an active participant in the fund raisIng efforts of the Vikings of Scandia. Vince was, without question, on 'Ambassador of Good Will', for Santa Catalina Island. Vince had a wonderfully happy life with his lovely wife of fortyone years. June Ward Scaramucci.

He was blessed and will be missed by so many. Services will be held 12 noon, Thursday, the October 10, 1901 al Mary Star of Sca, 870 8th St, San Pedro with committal In All Souls Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4400 Beach, HalversonLeavell directors. 'Arms Around You. SHERIDAN, JORD A. Pralswater Van Nays STERK, Henry Plerce Brothers Griffith, Chino STRULL, Elsie; Eddy Beloved husloving father of Roger Sr.

(Nan) and Maynard (Bernice) Strull and Helene Holley: cherished brother of Edward, Louts, licnry, Willam, Helen and Gertrude; adored grandfather of Roger Jr. (Bonnie), Jerald (Abby), Toni (Joc), Deborah (Scott), Elizabeth. Gabrielle and Daniel; great -grandfather of Kelly, Allison. Lianne and Ilebecca. Donations to your favorite charity appreciated.

Services 1pm, Wed. nesday at Hillside Memorial Park Chapel, Malinow Silverman Mortuary directors. SUCIMOTO, Toabiro 74. resident of Laguna of Niguel Kei; and father of beloved husband Linda Fumiko (Havens) Tipps and Darbara Ryo (Robert) Arina; grandfather of Jennifer Mikko and Adam Toshiro Tipps. Funeral services 10am.

Saturday, October 12, at the Elillside chapel al Rose Hills Cemetery with the Rev. George Akl presiding. Fukul Mortuary directors. TORRES-BIELAWSKI, Brandie Pierce Brothers, Meyer- Mitchell Times Obituary Information Call Miss Black for understanding and helpful service on Obituary Notices: (213) 629-4411, Ext. 77241 or (213) 237-7241.

or our Toll-Free Number 1-800-528-4637. Ext. 77241 Los Angeles Simes WACHINER, Daniel Lewls Loving husband of Ruth: devoted father at son and daughter-in-law. Brian and Borbara Wachner: and daughter son-in-law, Lois beloved grandfather 'P'appa' of Wachner and. John Solomon; Jeffrey, Andrea, Danya and Rene; survived by brother: John (Dorothy), brother-in-law, Hershey Gold (Nan); sister-inlaw, Bess Sicgel (Sol).

In licu of flowers donations may, be made to il'nal David Judea Congregation or Orthopaedie Hospital. Services 3pm. Thursday, October 10 at Hillside Memorial Park Chapel. Glasband- Willen Mortuary, West Hollywood directors. WHEELIS, Walter Herbert Beloved father of Edward Walter Wheelis, and Carol Merrill: also survived by sister, Marie Moran: and seven grandchildren.

Service Ipm. Wednesday, October 9, at Oakwood Memorial Park Chapel, Chatsworth, CA. Crawford Mortuary Northridge directors. weaker, the bright little girl's wish was for a computer to allow her to write and -when she becomes too weak to talk -enable her to continue communicating. Cortez said it took more than a year for the charity to fulfill Nicole's wish.

It was only when Cortez complained to a local TV station that the charity made good, even though National Marketing's Stockton -area subcontractor, TelMar Productions, had begun collecting money in Nicole's name even before her wish was completed. Benkoll "kept making excuses after excuses after excuses," Cortez said. Benkoil said checks from both Children's Wish Fund and National Marketing were lost in the mail. 4 "The check is in the mail' is one of the biggest jokes in America, but the fact is the check was in the mail," he said. Other wish groups say that they use different strategies for raising money.

A there "is Make-A-Wish, no for door-to-door example, solicitation, no telephone solicitation and no professional fund Blomberg said. "If you do get solicited by phone or someone at the door, you know it's not MakeA- Still, there is concern that public confusion could hurt the other organizations. "The public is generally not good at telling one wish- -granting charity from another," Peter G.W, Samuelson, president of Starlight Foundation International. Starlight officials argue that the Children's Wish Fund logo-depicting a child reaching for a star -is a copy of Starlight's trademarked symbol. "You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that someone sat down and said, how can we be deceptively similar," Samuelson charged.

An attorney for Children's Wish Fund has denied any trademark infringement. Both Starlight and Make-AWish rely heavily on volunteers to raise money, most often through corporate sponsors, service clubs and annual fund-raisers. Officials of both charities applaud the attorney general's attempt to shut down the Children's Wish Fund and to send a message to charities that do not deliver on their promises. But Deputy Atty. Gen.

Shack is concerned that the public not turn its back on legitimate charities. "We sure hope that action against Children's Wish doesn't hurt the of charities that are good," Shack said. Funeral Notices Menorah Lodge 1023 will assemble 1pm. Wednesday, October 9, at Tillside Memorial Park to conduct services for our late brother. Eddy I.

Strull Bernic Marcus W.M: Joseph B. Joyce. Sect. Funeral Directors Hillside MORTUARY CEMETERY (213) 641-0707 GROMAN MORTUARIES SERVICES IN ALL CEMETERIES L.A. AREA 1213) 748-2201 FAIRFAX AREA (213) 934-3954 VALLEY (816) 365-7151 (PROSE HILLS Cemetery Mortuary (213) 699-0921 No matter what you can allord, we're here fut you FOREST LAWN MORTUARY (213) 254-3131 ARMSTRONG MITTEN FAMILY Ash Burial at Sea $438 Complete An L.A.

County Free literature (213) 747-9121 Los Angeles MouNT Sinai MORTUARY CEMETERY (213) 469-6000 Los Angeles MALINOW-SILVERMAN LOS ANGELES Cromation Services Brothers Mortuaries Cemeteries 1-800-762-7200 40 SO. CAL. LOCATIONS Neptune Society Los Angolon Burbank 241 bio LA Cemetery Lots-Crypts 1 2 tots 1963, Garden of Prayer. Rose Ellis Park LA Forest Lawn Glendalo 2 Lawn Crypts $2250 obo 1 CRYPT IN EDEN MEMORIAL PARK Sacrifice $3500. Pp FOREST LAWN HOLLYWOOD ALS: MURING TREES, $1295.

Pp 818-784-2223.