A couple from Pennsylvania is suing a Merchantville, NJ-based non-profit, alleging that the organization did not honor an agreement related to a previous donation.
Berwyn locals Christopher and Carol Garavente claimed in the suit that their $250,000 donation was made to the non-profit then known as Friends of L’Arche New Jersey with the condition that their son Louis could live in the home once he reached the age of 21. While the organization later utilized the funds to purchase a house, the agreement was seemingly forgotten.
According to the lawsuit filed last month in US District Court, the non-profit evaluated the Garaventes’ son in 2011, determining that – due to his severe disabilities – he was eligible to apply for residency after he turned 21. That same year, the couple made their donation, with the expressed intent that the money be used to purchase a house where their son could later live.
The couple was notified sometime in late 2012 that L’Arche had rebranded itself as VINE Community, and thus was the new beneficiary of their donation. The organization had also purchased a home around this time with the funds and started renovating the location.
When Louis finally turned 21 on May 01, 2015, the Garaventes were notified by VINE representatives that the non-profit did not know about the donation’s conditions. The non-profit also allegedly refused to allow Louis to move into the house it had purchased along West Maple Avenue - the couple was notified that there was no room available for their son.
Due to the refusal, the Garaventes claim in their suit that they were forced to make alternative living arrangements for their son, which meant selling their Morris County home and relocating to Pennsylvania.
Courier Post reported that the couple wants their donation returned, with interest. The Garaventes are also seeking recompense for legal costs and damages.
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