From the St. Petersburg Times

Two Florida groups that worked out of rented hotel rooms and raised thousands of dollars over the phone - allegedly to help dying children enjoy Disney World - are barred from soliciting money in the state and are being investigated for possible criminal misconduct, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

While the groups - United Childrens Foundation and the Florida Children Welfare Association - have the right to appeal the stop order, state officials have been unable to find Molly Ann O'Dell and Chintoo Arun Bose, the reported leaders of the organizations.

Officials from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services took action after an informant working for the companies reported that the money raised was being kept. The department also received numerous complaints from citizens about the telephone solicitations.

While most organizations find phone calls for donations generally ineffective, the two groups reportedly received several thousands of dollars and donors even slipped money under the doormat to a motel room where solicitors worked, the paper reports.

State investigators ask that anyone with information on O'Dell, Bose or their groups to call (800) 435-7352.

Full text of the article is currently found at:
http://www.sptimes.com/State/82198/State_shuts_down_char.html