After the Kars4Kids ad is banned in California, we check in on nostalgic jingles past

A California judge ruled that the Kars4Kids car-donation advertisement violates state laws against unfair competition and false advertising. The ruling focused on the ad’s failure to disclose the charity’s religious affiliation. Kars4Kids says most proceeds from used-car donations go to Oorah, an Orthodox Jewish nonprofit that provides programs such as summer camps, adult matchmaking services, and trips to Israel. The connection is stated on Kars4Kids’ website, but not in the well-known jingle. A California resident sued after donating a vehicle based on repeated exposure to the advertisement and believing the funds would help California children. The judge found the omission misleading and ordered the ad banned in California.

"Judge Gassia Apkarian of the Orange County Superior Court ruled earlier this month that the ad violates California's laws against unfair competition and false advertising because it does not disclose Kars4Kids' religious affiliation."

"Kars4Kids says it gives most of its proceeds from used-car donations to Oorah, an Orthodox Jewish nonprofit based in New Jersey that provides opportunities like summer camps, adult matchmaking services and trips to Israel. Kars4Kids makes the connection to its "sister nonprofit" clear on its website, though not in its infamous jingle: "1-877-Kars4Kids / K-A-R-S Kars for Kids / 1-877-Kars4Kids / Donate your car today.""

"According to the judge's order, Puterbaugh testified that he donated a 2001 Volvo station wagon after hearing the Kars4Kids advertisement "over and over," believing the money would benefit California kids in need. Puterbaugh, a self-described "not a computer person" in his 70s, said he never visited the charity's website and only learned the truth from a casual conversation with his Lake County neighbor after the car was picked up."

""He testified that he felt 'taken advantage of' upon discovering only after the donation that the funds did not stay in California but supported a specific religious mission in the Northeast," Apkarian wrote."

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