“California is pulling the plug on the wildly recognizable Kars4Kids jingle after an Orange County judge ruled the charity’s ads misled donors about who actually benefits from their money.”

“Orange County Superior Court Judge Gassia Apkarian found that the organization violated California false advertising and unfair competition laws by failing to disclose that donations primarily fund Orthodox Jewish programs tied to Oorah Inc., a New York and New Jersey-based outreach organization.”

“The ruling was published May 8 and comes after California resident Bruce Puterbaugh sued the charity in 2021”

“Kars4Kids Chief Operating Officer Esti Landau testified that the charity’s “primary function” is funding Oorah’s programs.”

“Landau also testified that although about 25% of Kars4Kids’ revenue comes from California, the organization has virtually no meaningful programs benefiting children in the state beyond a backpack drive described in court as a “branding exercise.””

“money supported older teens, including 17- and 18-year-olds participating in gap-year trips to Israel and related family programming.”

“Testimony also revealed that $16.5 million was spent in 2022 on a building purchase in Israel, while another $437,000 went toward “Middle East outreach.””

“Under the ruling, Kars4Kids can no longer air its commercials in California unless the ads include “an express, audible disclosure” explaining the charity’s religious affiliation, where donations go and who benefits from the funds.”

“The organization is also barred from using young children in its ads.”