Kars4Kids Ad Halted in California Due to False Advertising Ruling
Kars4Kids’ catchy “Happy Go Lucky” jingle will no longer be broadcast in California following a judge’s decision declaring that the organization violated state laws on false advertising and unfair competition.
The nonprofit was accused of not adequately informing viewers that it is a Jewish charity and that its main objective is to support the Orthodox Jewish group, Oorah.
In a ruling dated May 8, Judge Gasia Apkarian noted that Kars4Kids’ strategy seemed aimed at making its ads “memorable” through repetitive content while omitting essential information, effectively constituting a misleading practice.
The case began when Bruce Puterbaugh, a California resident, filed a lawsuit against Kars4Kids in 2021. He claimed to have donated his 2011 Volvo XC—worth around $250—after frequently seeing their commercials featuring the number “1-877-Kars4Kids.” Puterbaugh stated that he believed the charity primarily supported “underprivileged children across America” and was unaware of its religious affiliations.
“I feel taken advantage of by the advertising and information that is not there,” he expressed during the proceedings.
A spokesperson for Kars4Kids responded, describing the ruling as “seriously flawed.” They argued that it misrepresents the organization and that their Jewish identity is clearly stated on their website.
During the court hearings, Esti Landau, the chief operating officer, admitted under oath that while Kars4Kids is indeed a Jewish organization, it does not explicitly state this in its television advertisements. Apkarian noted that Landau confirmed the organization’s primary funding role for Oorah, which focuses on Jewish heritage and summer camps in New York and New Jersey. According to the ruling, over 60% of Kars4Kids’ funds are allocated to Oorah, while about 30% is spent on advertising, with an additional 6% for administrative costs.
Documents reveal that Oorah invested $437,000 in “Middle East support” and transferred $16.5 million to North Africa and the Middle East in 2022.
Apkarian mentioned that Landau clearly stated the organization’s core mission wasn’t primarily to assist economically disadvantaged children. She highlighted that Oorah offers programs like youth matchmaking and gap year trips to Israel for 17- and 18-year-olds, with an average of 250 participants per year.
Interestingly, while many supporters may have thought they were aiding needy children, some of those funds were also directed toward helping young Jewish adults with dating opportunities. Oorah also sponsors educational initiatives for Jewish children, which includes various media content featuring a character named “Five-ish,” a $5 bill.
