The children's cancer charity that Patti Blagojevich wanted to benefit by her appearance on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" has turned down the offer of free money.
Bear Necessities could have received thousands from the reality show, but they sensed a conflict. Rod Blagojevich is accused of trying to shake down the head of Children's Memorial Hospital for $50,000 in return for supporting $8 million in state funding.
"Children's (Memorial) is one of our long-time partners," said Bear Necessities spokeswoman Courtney Krupa. "We're just trying to be cautious."
Krupa said the charity was approached last Tuesday about the donation possibilities, but the board declined the offer. She acknowledged it was difficult to turn down the money.
"We're all fighting through the bad economy," Krupa said, adding that Bear Necessities wasn't sure how much money they could have gotten.
