“Cancelled? What? Why?” Credit: Alan Levine

August 22, 2017; Washington Post

The Boca Raton-based Unicorn Children’s Foundation is the latest charity to cancel an event at the President’s Mar-A-Lago resort this year, and there may be more to come.

Seventeen out of 25 scheduled charity events have been cancelled since Trump’s remarks about Charlottesville. According to David Fahrenthold of the Washington Post, these cancellations are on top of others which had already been made.

The foundation, which is cancelling outright rather than trying to reschedule in another venue, said that the venue would be a distraction not aligned with its mission work.

“We are not a political organization and do not condone hatred or bullying on any level,” the foundation said in a statement.

“Due to the political turbulence associated with this choice of venue, it would be a disservice to our supporters and our children to hold our event at Mar-a-Lago,” said Sharon Alexander, the group’s chief executive. “We prefer the conversations to be centered off the venue and instead focused on how we can help kids with special needs excel in their communities.”

Even before Trump’s comments on Charlottesville, Mar-a-Lago seemed headed for a down year. This robs President Trump not only of the revenue that flows from these events, but also his “charity walk-through” photo opportunities.

Also withdrawing on Tuesday was the Gateway for Cancer Research. Two groups that have confirmed they will not cancel are the Palm Beach Police Foundation, which holds its Policeman’s Ball there, and the Palm Beach County Republican Party, which intends to go ahead with plans for its annual Lincoln Day dinner.—Ruth McCambridge