Chapter 16 - Claire’s foundation nearly split
The board hated scandal.
Of course.
Some trustees argued we should postpone financial review until the criminal case stabilized.
Nora said:
“No.”
I agreed.
Then realized my agreement could look like revenge against Vanessa’s company.
So I recused myself from the vendor investigation entirely.
Independent audit firm.
Outside counsel.
Audit committee.
No Nora controlling final findings either.
She provided records.
Then stepped back.
That irritated her.
Good governance irritates people who are certain they are right.
The foundation disclosed enough to donors to explain delayed grants and contract review without turning allegations into verdicts.
Vale & Co.’s contract was suspended.
Later terminated for procurement and disclosure violations independent of the drink case.
Several staff worried donors would flee.
Some did.
The next year, contributions dropped eleven percent.
Not collapse.
We reduced gala spending.
Good.
May you like
More money went to programs.
Claire would have enjoyed that irony.
