Odom, Kardashian Charity A Scam? Cathy’s Kids Isn’t Helping Cancer Research

Lamar Odom and Kim Kardashian may be involved in a charity scam.

According to a report by ESPN, Odom’s charity Cathy’s kids hasn’t donated a cent to cancer research since it was founded in 2004.

The report, called “Outside the Lines,” examines several charities started by professional athletes. ESPN found that Odom’s charity, as well as several charities founded by other athletes, weren’t living up to their charitable expectations.

ESPN writes: “NBA forward Lamar Odom’s charity that promised money for cancer research has not given a dime in grant money to any cancer entity in its eight-year history.”

Odom started Cathy’s Kids in 2004 after he lost his mother to stomach cancer. The mission statement for the charity states that the NBA player is “committed to help causes that are focused on finding a cure and helping people who suffer from the disease.”

It turns out that Lamar believes the best way to find a cure for people with stomach cancer is by playing basketball. According to the report, Cathy’s Kids has spent about $1.3 million to fund elite youth basketball travel teams.

Cathy’s Kids has raised about $2.2 million since it was founded and tax documents show that the majority of that money went to fund youth basketball teams. The funds have also reportedly been used to pay Jerry DeGregorio, the secretary of the charity, $72,000 a year.

Do you think Lamar Odom, and Khloe Kardashian’s charity is a scam?

OMG! reports that the charity has been “dormant” for years but it is still collecting money. Khloe Kardashian has even been selling her used clothes and accessories on eBay in order to raise money for Cathy’s Kids.

The eBay page reads: “Khloe Kardashian, reality TV celebrity from Keeping up with the Kardashians on E! and Lamar Odom, NBA basketball legend, are opening up their fashion wardrobes to eBay. Bid on fabulous items from both their personal collections. All auction items benefit Cathy’s Kids, a Lamar Odom Foundation.”

Do you think the Odom, Kardashian charity is a scam?

Lamar hasn’t commented on the report but ESPN did catch up to the player earlier this year. When asked about how the charity was using its funds, Odom responded: “It’s my money.”

Andrew Bondarowicz, who runs a group that advices athletes about charitable endeavors, said: “It’s not your money … Once the money is put in the charity, it is no longer his private money.”