“Kars4Kids must stop broadcasting its widely known catchy jingle in advertisements across California after a judge found that the nonprofit violated the state’s false advertising and unfair competition laws.”

“Judge Gassia Apkarian of the Superior Court of California in Orange County issued the May 8 ruling against Kars4Kids and its jingle featuring children dancing and singing.”

“The decision came in a lawsuit filed by a California man who argued that the ad prominently features young children, even though some of the proceeds are directed toward programs benefiting Israel trips for elder teens.”

“Apkarian ruled that Kars4Kids may not use the “Kars4Kids” jingle, or any variation of it, in California unless the ads include “an explicit and audible disclosure of the organization’s religious affiliation.””

“The nonprofit, which primarily funds a Jewish nonprofit organization and accepts donations of “cars, boats, or real estate,” now has 30 days, or until June 8, to stop broadcasting in California.”

“Apkarian found that the ads, which have been on the airwaves for more than 20 years, violated California’s false advertising law by disseminating public statements about the disposal of property — specifically vehicle donations — that were misleading by omission.”

“The ruling stems from an August 2021 lawsuit filed by Bruce Puterbaugh, who alleged he donated a 2001 Volvo XC earlier that year to Kars4Kids after hearing the ad “over and over” on the radio.”

“As part of the ruling, Kars4Kids was also ordered to pay Puterbaugh $250, the car’s estimated value.”

“The organization also works closely with and funds another nonprofit, Oorah, which runs summer Orthodox camps in the tristate area and organizes annual trips to Israel for 17- and 18-year-olds.”