The Illinois Attorney General's Office has clamped down on a charity run by Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, ordering it to halt its fundraising activities. Investigations revealed that the charity, which promises aid to cancer patients, has been operating without the necessary state registration and failing to provide financial disclosures as mandated by law. According to a report by CBS Chicago, the AG's office issued multiple warnings to the Tiffany Henyard Cares Foundation, culminating in a cease and desist letter.
Henyard, who made history as Dolton's first female mayor when elected in 2021, also serves as the supervisor of Thornton Township where, notably, questionable spending linked to the foundation has been previously reported. The state's directives, previously issued on Dec. 13, 2023, and Jan. 17, 2024, highlight a pattern of neglect in adhering to legal standards of charity operation, namely, the submission of financial reports and a $15 registration fee. "To date, however," the AG's office said, "the Foundation has not responded and we have not been advised why there has been a delay."
WGN Investigates also unearthed that taxpayer dollars have been directed towards the mayor's foundation, with the township and Dolton workers and vehicles deployed for events organized by the charity. These findings further tangle the web of accountability and transparency issues surrounding the organization's activities.
In its recent actions, the Attorney General not only warned against further solicitation but also threatened legal measures to recoup any funds paid to board members and staff of the foundation. The AG's letter addressed to the charity starkly warned of possible repercussions for non-compliance. Yet, Mayor Henyard has maintained radio silence, offering no response to previous questions concerning her charity's financial activities, which could cause distress among those who expect public officials and their associated organizations to uphold a benchmark of integrity and openness.
