Gretchen Rossi’s ex, Jay Photoglou was awarded $18,900.00 in legal fees connected to a restraining order case filed against him by the reality star last year. A judge dismissed the case and Photoglou won the right to seek attorney’s fees and costs to fight the order. After failing to satisfy the judgment, Gretchen was ordered to appear in court to provide information about her finances and assets.

Gretchen Rossi was a no show in court.
A bench warrant has been issued…

Update: RadarOnline reports “A lawyer from the firm Gretchen hired showed up in court and asked for a continuance because Gretchen’s lawyer was unavailable,” Jay’s lawyer, Orlando Castano Jr. told RadarOnline.com. “Gretchen didn’t show up and the judge then issued a bench warrant for her arrest, holding it to give them the opportunity for her to come to court. She must show up next Thursday at 8:30 a.m.”

I have not had much computer time this past week, let alone time to post anything. Six days ago, my aunt unexpectedly passed away, and I, lost a piece of my heart. She was so much more to me than Aunt Bobbie, she was a friend and a confidant. There is so much I want to say…and so many feelings I have yet to process. Time.

Tomorrow is the day we have all been patiently waiting for, court! I will update as soon as I have information!!!

‘Real Housewife’ Gretchen Rossi Fights
Claims She Set Up Fake Leukemia Charity

Rossi claims she had no idea that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society did not carry out their end of the deal. “Real Housewife” Gretchen Rossi is hardly a stranger to drama, but the O.C.-based reality star ignited a firestorm recently when news broke that a charitable memorial fund she set up last year didn’t actually exist.

According to Rossi, she received verbal confirmation last year from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) that the Jeff Beitzel Fund, founded in memory of her late husband, would be established through their organization. But Rossi tells Tarts that she was unaware that the agreement was not carried out on their end.

“I was always under the impression that the fund was set up with them. After speaking with them now, I realized it was not their intention to not communicate the details of how restricting funds within the organization works. They are a large organization with a lot of moving parts,” Rossi explained exclusively to Pop Tarts. “I was told by a former employee last year that all money raised could be restricted into a fund we would call ‘The Jeff Beitzel Memorial Fund.’

Read full story at FOXNews.com

(Revised) On April 22 2009, Gretchen writes in her BRAVO blog,

“My campaigning started the weekend of April 4th. I was asked to participate in the Orange County Boat Show, autographing pictures, selling little sailor teddy bears for the kids, and selling wristbands that said “relentless” with all proceeds going back to the Jeff Beitzel fund and LLS. A portion of all ticket sales went back to LLS and the Jeff Beitzel Fund as well! It was a really fun event and I got to meet a lot of great and wonderfully giving individuals.”

The Jeff Beitzel fund and LLS. Not The Jeff Beitzel Memorial Fund within the LLS. Not LLS in memory of Jeff Beitzel. It says the Jeff Beitzel fund and LLS. That was a year ago, where did the proceeds and the portion of all ticket sales go? She continues,

“I will be ending my campaign on June 5th with a big Gala for all the hard work all the candidates have done throughout the last ten weeks! I look forward to continuing in the fight against cancer way past June 5th!
Be sure to visit my LLS website for more information on all these events and to donate! www.lls.org/ociegrossi or go to my website www.gretchenrossi.com.“

Oh yes, be sure to click on the link above and visit her LLS website…

Gen Art L.A. Fall Fashion show, March 2009

Interesting statement at about 1:37

3/09 Starting foundation
4/09 The Jeff Beitzel Fund and LLS
2/10 LLS and The Jeff Beitzel Foundation -she started
3/10 The Jeff Beitzel Memorial Fund within the LLS
3/10 The LLS in memory of Jeff Beitzel

3/10 Addresses ridiculous rumor  “…Someone stating that it doesn’t exist is ignorant, direspectful, and incorrect! People should stop spreading false & malicious rummors.”

*scratches head*

This statement has been confirmed by the LLS. Misunderstandings do occur, I get that. I don’t get how it took a whole year to realize there was an issue. Anyways, hopefully it has all been resolved and they can move forward working together.

What are your thoughts, if any on the following?
Will Gretchen will be setting up a fund or foundation as she has previously claimed?
What portion of the proceeds are going to be donated to LLS?
Do you think Gretchen misrepresented the fact that all the proceeds will go to this foundation or fund?
Do you think Gretchen has misrepresented the fact that she started a foundation or fund in Jeff’s name?

At first glance it appears to be an article. It has the headline, content and a generous size picture of Ms. Rossi, but is categorized under blog and there is no mention of an author.

Addressing Rumors Regarding
the Jeff Beitzel Memorial Fund

After speaking with LLS today they have responded apologizing for the miscommunication [sic] with this statement:

“In conversations that took place last year between Gretchen Rossi and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) there was a miscommunication [sic] concerning the establishment of a Jeff Beitzel Memorial Fund. A fund has not been set up by LLS and we apologize for any embarrassment this may have caused Miss Rossi. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will work with Miss Rossi to identify a researcher who will be named in Jeff Beitzel’s memory. The funds previously raised and any additional funds, such as those that may be forthcoming from the sale of Miss Rossi’s song on iTunes, will be used to help support the LLS mission. LLS appreciates the effort put forth by Miss Rossi.”

Not to nitpick, but who spoke to LLS and who from LLS responded with the statement? I guess it may be somewhat irrelevant in most cases, but under the circumstances it almost seems a little too vague? Anyways, I do hope all it has been resolved!
There is still no mention of The Jeff Beitzel Foundation, which I don’t think was a part, or within LLS…because she has stated on a few occasions, proceeds will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Jeff Beitzel Foundation. I think a little explanation /clarification could go a long ways…

On a sappy side note: As a mother of a child who is now a cancer survivor, and a daughter of a cancer survivor, it’s because of the efforts of organizations like LLS, The American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation and many others that helped make that possible. They can always use our support.

*Click on preview to view actual size

“To date, LLS has not received proceeds from the sale of Gretchen Rossi’s song…” [4/1/10]

I have more information from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It should be posted shortly, I hope! I am just waiting on a response…or a comment…or both!  Check back soon, all I can say for now is, wow…just wow!