The Week of April 8th in Review

Posted on April 13, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

After a two-year investigation eWedNewz broke the story on the wedding charity, Wish Upon a Wedding, investigating allegations and assertions against the charity’s founders and how the organization is managed. This newZ source has stepped up our investigation looking into people who gave their time and abandoned the organization after a relatively short period.

Disillusioned ex-participants and volunteers are hesitantly coming forward telling eWedNewz their stories but are stopping short of going public. Some major wedding industry figures are giving their version of what happened in the Wedding Water Cooler but, oddly, have not come forward. This newZ source has determined that some are under a confidentiality agreement prohibiting them to speak freely.

An ongoing eWedNewz poll so-far shows 57% of respondents say Wish Upon a Wedding is a good concept managed poorly. 20% feel it’s a bad idea run by thieves, resulting in a 77% disapproval rate. 6% say Wish Upon a Wedding  is a very well-run, worthy cause. 14% of replies so-far say they’ve never heard of the organization but will be following the story.

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Breaking Newz, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Hall of Shame, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, The Week in Review, Wedding Charities, wedding industry, Wedding Marketing Scams, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , ,

Wish Upon a Wedding Charity Organization Comes Under Fire

Posted on April 11, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

What started as a simple story has unleashed a tidal wave of criticism and concern against the charity organization, Wish Upon a Wedding. The explosion came after Lisa Barr openly criticized the organization after years of silence .Barr cracked open the door for a wave of stories involving the organization prompting an eWedNewz investigation looking into how the foundation has allegedly collected and amassed money, while receiving donated services given by wedding industry volunteers who thought they’d be getting involved in a good cause.

With donated goods and services from vendors and a staff of willing volunteers, past participants of Wish Upon a Wedding ask where is all the money collected?

 

Numerous corroborating reports say ideas to help the organization were continually shot down by senior members whose only interest was to promote the business, raise awareness to the brand and grow involvement to raise more funds.

“What for?” ask sources who are coming forward because of the newZ.  Sources like Barr who’ve already come forward are expected to be joined by others talking with eWedNewz to publicly denounce practices of the organization and its founding members.

eWedNewz is sifting through a barrage of emails, assumptions, allegations and questions involving Wish Upon a Wedding. We’ve already contacted known avid supporters of the organization who now say they’ve distanced themselves from the organization years ago. Some claim the time required to be a board member was too impacting on their daily schedule while others have ignored our questions.

An ongoing eWedNewz  poll show 55% of responses so far feel the concept of the organization is a worthy cause but the management sorely lacks in ethics and execution.  18% feel it’s a bad idea run by thieves. 19% say they’ve never heard of Wish upon a Wedding. Only 3% say it’s a well-run, worthy organization .  The rest are other answers being investigated.

 

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Breaking Newz, Charity Work, eWedNewz Exclusive, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Poll, Wedding Charities, wedding industry Tagged: , , , ,

After Years of Silence Sources Speak out Against Wedding Charity

Posted on April 9, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

An innocuous story tipped off by several wedding industry sources watching the charity Wish Upon a Wedding that talked about the organization’s website being down for a month woke up a flurry of new allegations and raises questions of how the charity operates. eWedNewz digs deeper into years of questions raised that were reportedly squashed by  a conglomerate of wedding professionals who support the organization.

 

Cancer survivor, Lisa Barr from Brooklyn, is the first to publicly stand behind her statements and allow eWedNewz to quote her about experiences with the charity organization Wish upon a Wedding.

Corroborating stories say any questioning, insubordinate statements made against the organization, its founding members or suggestions to help resulted in dismissal, forced resignation or members of the organization turning their backs on those asking the questions. Many of the stories were dismissed over the years sounding too much like schoolyard antics rather than a professionally run organization to provide worthy causes for those less fortunate. But years later a story about the organization’s  down website has once again opened the door for critics.

According to Lisa Barr;

“This is why I, along with the original founding members of NYC were ‘removed’ and then it took about 18 months to get a new ‘leadership’. We found that you simply don’t ask questions.  You sat back watched while an organization that asked it’s board members to pay $100 for that ‘honor and demand they find locations in NYC to give space, food etc for free. But they wouldn’t give the team ANY START-UP FUNDING FOR ANYTHING…that’s not how it’s (supposed to) work.  They were getting money in long before their fundraising certificate was established and long before they would produce certification to us.

The thing is, you hope and pray that they are doing well. You want to believe that they are helping lots of couples….but in all the years they have been ‘open for business’, it’s only been about 50 or so couples they’ve given wishes to So if you look at all the various chapters, their board, plus paying for it…yes, where IS all the money going?  Perhaps the various commissions will look into it what they are doing and if they are truly helping couples or themselves,” she told eWedNewz.

Because the concept is of merit and a worthy cause Barr said she did not want to do anything to undermined an organization that she believed in; that’s why she joined. But through her  experience with them she told eWedNewz she became disillusioned and “it changed”.

Barr added:

“This was my experience with Wish Upon a Wedding. I really do hope that they are doing what they say they are, but you have to wonder, have there really been only 50 terminal couples and what are they doing to help the chapters?  Perhaps they have a new President and she IS helping local chapters with funding – I don’t know. I’m no longer a part of the group.

I do know that as someone who had Cancer – I had 7 surgeries to put my body back together – I offered to contact Memorial Sloan Kettering (My hospital) and see if there is something they can do. I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR and am passionate about helping people because I LIVED IT! I know what it’s like to have cancer, and live with it. I offered to use my contacts and that was shut down.

As I said, I don’t know what they are doing now, I do know that the point is to provide a wedding/dream wedding for a terminal couple.  They have done that – but as everyone is questioning…where is the money going?  It can’t be all administrative costs especially when everyone is ‘volunteering/donating’…so who is getting paid?”

The organization has been very successful in raising awareness and money in the wedding industry and is supported my many wedding professionals who are willing to give their time and support to the organization.

According to Elisa Delgardio of A Flair for Affairs

“I believe in the work that WUW does, and trust in the integrity of the organization and BOD. Since WUW certainly has operating expenses, I don’t feel the $100 contribution is that big of an issue – many charitable organizations request the same (or more).”

Over the years eWedNewz has had limited discussion with the organization as we probed further including an exchange with their legal counsel who “warned” us and became very defensive when we reached out to some of their founding members, including Sasha Souza. Diligently we told their lawyers to back off (I’m being very kind) from scurrilous threats. But now emerging statements could force the organization to face some of the tough questions we posed several years ago.

What do you think?

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Charity Work, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , ,

Wish Upon a Wedding Website Up after being Down for a Month

Posted on April 9, 2013 Written by 3 Comments

By Paul Pannone

The Wish Upon a Wedding website was back up and running yesterday after being down for a month since March 8th. Tips from sources watching the charity that grants wedding wishes to challenged couples say they’ve watched the organization for several years.

Some say they were once supporters but backed away when leaders of the charity could not give reasons why they were being charged a hundred-dollar membership fee to give their time. Sourced told eWedNewz all products, goods and services are donated yet the organization is sitting on “a ton of cash” they’ve collected over the years. Some feel there are not enough events given by the organization to call for the type of money the they collect and hold on to.

 

From the Wish Upon a Wedding Facebook Wall the organization posted they are aware of the website difficulty on March 8th. The website came back up on april 8th, after eWedNewz broke the newZ on Twitter & Facebook.

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Breaking Newz, Charity Work, eWedNewz, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , ,

Goldberg VS. Wedding Industry Crooks

Posted on March 31, 2013 Written by 4 Comments

By Paul Pannone

After years of allegations and innuendo, Samantha Goldberg says she’s ready to come out swinging against alleged wedding industry crooks and those who she feels prey on the ignorance of newcomers to the business. In a Press Release labeling Goldberg an Event Extraordinaire  a new show that is supposed to deal with the subject rocks the wedding world sending notorious hucksters in both genders looking for a rock to crawl under. Or at least those aware of Goldberg’s unbridled and relentless approach of calling out people on her shit list.

The new era began with a written assault against a pop up event and its coördinator, Marni Gold.  A long, deep-rooted history of animosity surfaced again, as Goldberg took Gold to task on the event’s Facebook page. In the attack Goldberg references past events where she feels Gold somehow profited or at the very least misled supporters. Goldberg’s move is supported by others who do not wish to be mentioned– yet– but who also agree Goldberg’s move against Gold is warranted.

 

 Samantha Goldberg comes out swinging against another Gold; Marni Gold, a person she feels has profited in the past by using non-profits and who has now been put on warning.

 

eWedNewz caught up with Marni Gold and asked her why she feels she is a Goldberg target. In a telephone discussion she claims to have no clue but told eWedNewz

“This has been going on for years now. My husband an I have decided to take the high road and simply ignore her (Goldberg) and her posts on my wall and all the allegations she claims against me,” according to Marni Gold.

In Marni Gold’s explanation she agreed to email her statement describing her event and association with Wish Upon a Wedding, a charity that eWedNewz has been watching for several years after it was accused of  curious actions by Goldberg and other wedding industry sources.

According to Gold and in her own words;

“I am hosting it (The Pop Up Event) as a private event, meaning I personally am hosting it.  I personally decided, since I after years  am a board member (founding board member of the NJ chapter of Wish Upon A Wedding) and have been asked back, and because I really love the wonderful things this organization does for couples facing terminal illness and other serious life altering circumstances, to donated all net proceeds of the event to the cause.”

After years of watching and listening, this is the first mention of the WUW organization in this way. One other time Goldberg told eWedNewz her Facebook account was hacked– and Gold attacked. But in Goldberg’s current allegations she assured Gold it’s nothing personal. Goldberg told eWedNewz,

“The (wedding) industry needs protection and rid of  people who prey on newcomers and unsuspecting, good people, that give willingly and then have nothing to show for it when all is said and done.”

Goldberg has the support of members of the Wedding Water Cooler, an assembly of wedding industry professionals committed to unearthing the truth in the business and who are not afraid to speak their mind after they’ve discovered what that truth is. Private discussions with some of the members familiar with the story say Samantha is courageous in her actions against Gold, being burned by “Marni” in the past. Some say they’re going to sit back and watch and are prepared to speak out if/when there is something to add.

 eWedNewz welcomes your thoughts on this story and wants to know which “Gold” you’re supporting.

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Celebrity, Charity Work, Current Events, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, wedding industry, Wedding Marketing Scams Tagged: , , ,

The Top Ten eWedNewz Stories of 2012

Posted on January 1, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

2012 was an amazing year for newZ and people of the wedding business. The hard newZ and information that affects the wedding business continues to evolve and move away from the everyday information about ordinary goods and services and looks at what today’s couples think and worry about. The economy plays a growing role and holds down spending for the average consumer while more businesses exist in the shrinking market.

Here are the top ten eWedNewz stories of the past twelve months, beginning in December, 2011.

10- Samantha Goldberg Gives Wedding Wire an Ultimatum

9- Back to Work after a long Weekend; Business owners look to 2013

8- Tie a Yellow Bow Tie and Support a Good Cause

7- NewZ of David’s Bridal Sale grips the Business

6- eWedNewz obtains a List of Pirate Wedding Websites, as Sales Drop

5- BRIDES ANNOUNCES FINDINGS FROM 2011 AMERICAN WEDDING STUDY

4- FLOW Formal Tapped to Manufacture Products for Two Big deals

3- Situation Tuxedos Sold Out, as Demand Keeps rising

2- No Surprise; David’s Bridal on the Auction Block

The number one eWedNewz story of 2012: From Abercrombie to JC Penny the world Adapts to a Changing Consumer

 

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, BRIDES Magazine, Economic news, eWedNewz, facts and figures, Ongoing Story Coverage, Paul Pannone, Top Stories for the Year, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, Wedding planners Tagged: , ,

Samantha Goldberg Calls Out a Growing List of Scam Artists

Posted on November 5, 2012 Written by 6 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

With Hurricane Sandy a bad memory there is another storm brewing called Samantha; Samantha Goldberg, the feared viscous wolf in sheep’s clothing  that arrives with some freshly baked cookies but leaves most of her victims three-quarters dead and unable to enjoy the treat. Goldberg says she is on to no less than a dozen stories and scams at any given time but this time her sights are set on what she calls a pyramid scheme.

 

Samantha’s followers on Twitter (@samanthaisgold) went from relatively nothing on September 1st, 2012 to the current   252,000 in less than ten weeks.

 

 

“They are coming out of the woodwork right now; they’re everywhere, preying on the hopes and fears of small people of our business that look to some higher, mystical magic that does not exist,” insists Goldberg.

Since taking on Wedding Wire and making their lives miserable for failing to admit there was a flaw with their rating system, Goldberg says she learned a lot in the way of patience and getting her point across. Goldberg won the support of others in the wedding business who could not get answers from Wedding Wire but the movement took it on the chin when Sonny Ganguly gracefully shot her down, refusing to take down an unflattering review. Ganguly wore Goldberg and the rest of the industry down by citing corporate policy and sticking to a scripted– canned– reply.

“It got the ball rolling and got me to this point, so it did serve a purpose,” according to Goldberg.

Now she says she’s back and ready to educate the wedding industry who she feels is being scammed by unscrupulous vultures that have set themselves up as experts; selling programs that help no one but the people selling the program.

On the top of her most recent hit-list is Natalie Bradley, self-proclaimed high-end bride expert. According to Goldberg, Bradley posted a proposal to donate a portion of money to help hurricane victims.

“She did; the problem was she never said what percentage or to whom the money would go. She would not divulge the charity until someone bought her program,” said Goldberg.

Goldberg sent the following e-mail to Bradley and copied the transmission to her fellow Wedding Water Cooler members:

 

Hello Natalie,

I hope all is well. I noticed that you were speaking of a great way to help earn money for the horrible issues we have had on the east coast on Linked in. I thought to include on this email a very reputable and rather large force of industry professionals. We speak of how we might change the industry. How to avoid the $10K in 30 days theory. You know this all too well. Wait, you are the 10K in 30 days concept…silly me.

I could sit back and allow you to find a small percentage that may pay for your services, but since I have no electric and (was) on hiatus, I can now address the issues I have with your theory. First, let me express how disgusted I am that you would use the “Make Money” concept during this time. I don’t care of retail, etc, and if they give percentages even better… BUT “YOU” are not using this in the fashion one would respect; you are using what they call “scare tactics”. Did you know that you are marketing this to my VERY own friends who have more damage than you can imagine, but were questioning if they should take your seminar as they need money quick.

Since I cannot speak badly of any program, I can only tell you, this is not a good thing to do right now. Please refrain from this angle. It’s not a threat, it’s a genuine ask. Your not going to get anyone 10K in 30 days Natalie. Well, you might- Free has a price tag…

If you are doing so well financially, why must you use the hearts/lack of funds from those who have NADA dime to pay, but yet take loans on credit cards etc because you tell them they could make 10K while this horrible issue is happening all around us?

If what you were teaching was of any value, I might be inclined to “spread the word”. Let’s be real shall we? It’s of NO value. Your lies with Linked In..stating that you were away and left someone to promote this svelte idea, was you. You forgot to change the comp and IP address. I don’t know why you would not just tell the truth and say it’s you…We all know it was.

By now, you’ve probably figured out, I have a BIG mouth..a REALLY big mouth. When I see things that are not kosher, I tend to open up a bit more…While I applaud anyone that is willing to help during time of need, I also have to look at ones history… Whom might you be giving this extra money o? Are they a 501c3? A 1023? Do they even know you are offering such an amazing bit of assistance? If they don’t, I have now made sure they do. You don’t have to thank me, I
did that already.

At the end of the day you have to feel good about the reflection in the mirror and sleeping at night knowing, your potential “hopeful” clients are really in dire need of help. Yet your making such promises that will not happen for them now, and possibly not ever.

Testimonials Pure and Heart Weddings- 2010? They are not in business any longer… a Moment like this ? Same thing.. No website No company? You listed this testimonial 2 times and 2 times is not in business. They should have taken
the 10K in 30 days I guess. www.moalifetime.com ? also just gone? You actually need to check your testimonial page– you doubled up babe.

I also did some research on my own as an industry member, I want to see what’s going on. I wasn’t thrilled with what I saw.  Natalie, you don’t have to listen to me, or anyone else…But for $199.99 I can ensure you I will teach at n/c to all of your students how to close a sale the right way. They don’t have to pay me, you do. We can donate that fund together OK? If you do sign people up with this fab deal of 10K in 30 days and have PUBLICLY listed you will help Hurricane Sandy Victims..It’s illegal not to list such funds and distribution of such… You have not partnered with Red Cross, FEMA, SA or etc. They should not have to pay you to learn where it goes.

From one woman entrepreneur to another, please do the right thing, and not take advantage of the heart strings of those who have lost everything right now. After 23 years, I teach at no charge. There are times I charge but have never had to promise anyone that they will create this massive income in 30 days. It’s wrong, and you know it.

Take time to reflect Natalie. Understand this is wrong. I am of no threat, but I do have a voice in this business a rather large one. Leave those who need to figure out where their next check comes to them. Nice gesture to offer assistance, but unless you have a valid place or organization to  donate to you cannot say this;  you can be fined and it’s a lot more than 10K. This advice is free, just like the $97 deal you offer…The difference, I give good advice and don’t promise the impossible.

Best,

Samantha Goldberg

 

eWedNewz read the original post/offer by Bradley that since disappeared after Goldberg emailed her what you just read. According to Goldberg the Bradley story ties into other marketing and pyramid type schemes involving well-known members of the wedding business. Goldberg promises to release more information in all her channels including this newZ source.

Ms. Bradley did not respond to Goldberg’s email nor our request to speak to her and give the opportunity to clarify the matter at the time of this story release.

eWedNewz will continue to investigate this story.

 

 

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Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Celebrity, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Hall of Shame, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Social Media, The Internet, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites, Wedding Wire Tagged: , , , , ,

The Week of September 24th in Review

Posted on September 30, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

 

 

By Paul Pannone

 

New information involving Wedding Wire made top newZ this week as the company continues to struggle to grow in a shrinking wedding market and constant complaints about how they rate vendors. Critics of Wedding Wire including Samantha Goldberg continue to bang the drum against the website listing company that is coming under attack by a rising number of (paying) vendors who find it difficult to communicate with the company.

Despite the criticism Wedding Wire received more funding from Spectrum Equity investors in the amount of $25 million dollars for a limited stake in the company.

Wedding website weasels continue to scatter as the war waged by the American Bridal and Prom Industry Association gains speed and support by wedding industry members. A meeting with Steve Lang, founder of the association, in Chicago says he’s pleased with the results so far but admits there is a long road ahead.

70% of an ongoing eWedNewz poll so far feels Lang’s efforts pose a fair to excellent chance of winning the war, while 30% feel the chances are poor to impossible. In a separate poll 95% of eWedNewz respondents say they support a general wedding industry organization that is well run, offers benefits and is not expensive to join.

FLOW formal’s Yellow Bow Tie campaign added new products to their efforts, including top seller, SWAGGER. Major wholesalers are picking up on the campaign and are asking their key accounts to do the same.

Consumer brides shopping for their 2013 weddings are researching the cost of wedding gowns, driving up an eWedNewz  story about the Knot we ran last June.

 

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, eWedNewz, Men's formal wear, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Internet, The Knot, The Week in Review, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, Wedding planners, wedding websites, Wedding Wire Tagged: , , , , ,

FLOW Adds SWAGGER to their Yellow Bow Tie Military Charity Campaign

Posted on September 23, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

Last week FLOW Formal announced including their popular2013 SWAGGER tuxedo to the Yellow Bow Tie Campaign. The SWAGGER, released and marketed under their own FLOW label, has quickly attracted the attention of consumers online.

 

Major wholesalers watching social media and consumer reaction are interested in the look of SWAGGER.

FLOW has upped its fabric commitment and production schedule for SWAGGER and matching DASH pants to meet the rising demand. Company owners told eWedNewz the decision to include SWAGGER and matching DASH pants was to help supporters (wholesalers and retail stores) supply distribution for the growing consumer demand.

In further eWedNewz investigation FLOW marketing for their 2013 lines follow consumer demand summarized by the direction taken by major successful apparel organizations, including Burberry. Simple but effective ads with easy backgrounds.

In our findings the tuxedo business continues to lag behind in providing what consumers are looking for; holding on to their own beliefs and looks– as well as outdated merchandise.

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Filed Under: Celebrity, Ongoing Story Coverage, Paul Pannone, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, wedding industry Tagged: , , , ,

The Week of September 17th in Review

Posted on September 23, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

Wedding Wire was back on top of the newZ, as another flood of vendors complain about their rating and review system. The rise is linked to peak season/summer weddings that are now settling into married life and look back on their wedding day.

A statement written by Samantha Goldberg in reply to the story written by her, in her own style, also made top newZ for citing wedding industry professionals and vendors that lack passion. According to Goldberg “90%” are guilty. But an eWedNewz ongoing poll says 47% lack passion– closer to what this newZ source predicted (50%).

A trending story involving BRIDES magazine’s move in appointing the first black Editor in Chief continues to rise, as eWedNewz investigates other publications that do not have a balanced representation of all races in executive positions.

In other newZ the Tie a Yellow Bow Tie campaign to help military family victims continues to grow. FLOW Formal plans to add other items to the campaign for 2013.

 

 

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Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Magazines, eWedNewz, General News, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Poll, The Week in Review, Wedding Charities, wedding industry, Wedding Wire Tagged: , , , , , , ,
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