Secretary of State Seeks Injunction Against Greenville Charity
March 14, 2012
Palmetto Peloton Project ignores requirement to register, file financial reports; incurs thousands of dollars in fines.
GREENVILLE, SC – March 14, 2012 – South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced today that his office has filed a petition for injunctive relief against Palmetto Peloton Project, a charitable organization based in Greenville, South Carolina.
The petition filed with the South Carolina Administrative Law Court alleges that Palmetto Peloton Project is operating in violation of the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act. Under the Act, a charitable organization engaging in solicitation is required to file an annual registration statement with the Secretary of State’s Office. The petition alleges that Palmetto Peloton Project’s registration lapsed in 2010, but that the organization has continued to solicit contributions illegally. The petition also alleges that the organization has failed to file its annual financial report for 2010, as required under the Act.
According to its website, Palmetto Peloton Project raises money for the advancement of cancer research and advocacy efforts through bicycling events. The organization has charity rides scheduled for May 28, 2012 and October 14-21, 2012. A “Cupcakes for Cancer” fundraiser for the organization is scheduled for this Sunday, March 18, 2012, in Greenville.
The petition for injunctive relief seeks to enjoin Palmetto Peloton Project from soliciting charitable contributions until the organization is properly registered with the Secretary of State and until the delinquent financial report is filed. The petition also seeks the payment of all outstanding fines, which presently exceed $5,000.00.
“Palmetto Peloton Project continues to solicit donations despite being notified that it is in violation of the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, and we have taken this step as a last resort,” stated Secretary Hammond. “Palmetto Peloton Project has repeatedly violated the Act which serves to protect charitable donors by requiring accountability and transparency,” said Hammond.
Secretary Hammond encourages South Carolinians to verify the registration status of all organizations soliciting charitable contributions. Information regarding the legal requirements for charitable organizations soliciting in South Carolina can be obtained from the Secretary of State’s website at www.scsos.com, or by contacting the Division of Public Charities at 1-888-CHARITI (1-888-242-7484).
