THE EBERLE LAWSUIT

Correction & Stament of Regret

Via e-mails, telephone calls, articles and our web site the impression may have been created that Bruce Eberle and his company, Fund Raising Strategies (FRS) operate with less than integrity.

It was stated:

1) That Eberle was involved in the distribution of a fake photo of an American POW in Laos. We accept the sworn statement by Mr. Eberle that he had "Nothing whatsoever to do with the staging, printing, or distribution of the fake photo of an American POW." Our previous statements to the contrary are incorrect.

2) It was stated that FRS charges a "percentage" or "commission" for its services--although the FRS denial was published in ANIMAL PEOPLE [and the] Watchdog Report. As the actual contracts affirm, Fund Raising Strategies is paid a flat fee (not a "percentage" or a commission") for its services. Our previous statements to the contrary are incorrect.

3) It was stated that FRS retains the "lion's share" of funds raised for its clients. Eberle states that, according to a review by an independent Certified Public Accounting firm, he and his companies have collected fees averaging 12% of the total sum raised by FRS for all of its animal sanctuary clients. Accordingly, FRS does not receive the lion's share of funds raised for its clients. We accept the statement by Mr. Eberle. Our previous statements to the contrary are incorrect.

The editor, Merritt Clifton, the publisher Kim Bartlett, and ANIMAL PEOPLE regret the publication of these erroneous statements and any harm they may have caused to Mr. Eberle and Fund Raising Strategies.