Melania Trump's Florida Event Cancelled Over Questionable Fundraising

An April fundraiser event in Florida featuring Former First Lady Melania Trump has been canceled after state regulators voiced concerns over questionable funding.

In late January, Melania announced an event she called “Tulips & Topiaries” to be hosted at an undisclosed location in Naples, Florida, on April 9. The event was supposed to feature an “elaborate flower garden with tulips” and “delicious hors d’oeuvres alongside tea and bubbles.”

Tickets for the event were put on sale for a minimum of $3,000 and a maximum of $50,000. People who paid $3,000 a ticket would have gained access to the event and an afternoon high tea featuring Mrs. Trump. Attendees who purchased one of the 10 VIP slots worth $50,000 would have been seated at a premium table and have up-close and pre-eminent engagement with the former first lady.

The proceeds of the “Tulips & Topiaries” event would have benefitted Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, which would grant computer science scholarships to children emerging from foster care, according to a brochure.

However, the event was canceled after Florida federal officials noted that Whip Fundraising, a consulting firm that helped organize the fundraising event, had not registered as required by the state to solicit contributions and donations. Officials added that the firm only registered after authorities launched an investigation into the matter.

Under state law, certain organizations asking for charitable donations from their residents are required to first register with the state and then submit a report detailing how the money would be spent.

Brad Keltner, the head of Whip Fundraising, denied accusations that his company broke state laws. He argued that he had received initial guidance in December that said he did not need to register as a fund-raiser. Keltner added that he only registered after state investigators contacted him.

The money garnered from the ticket sales of the canceled event would now go to GenJustice, a nonprofit group in Florida that helps foster children. It is unclear how much the event has raised. In a statement, Trump’s office refused to offer numbers and said the event was not canceled, instead, it will be rescheduled.

“The event organizer is rescheduling to a future date due to the overwhelming support from individuals and charitable organizations,” the office’s statement said.