Crimes of Persuasion

Schemes, scams, frauds.



International Presentation of Performers (IPOP) aka World Talent Inc aka IPOP Inc. not by Helen Rogers (former owner of IMTA) in association with John Robert Powers

Alternative Business Name

WORLD TALENT, INC.
(Initial DOS Filing Date: JANUARY 24, 2005)

Business Registration


Registered Name
Information Search
Generated by TnT Names Search Version 3.05

Instructions

General Information
File ID 335605
Description Trade Name
Status Active
Name INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATION OF PERFORMERS ("IPOP")
Address 1 502 SOUTH COLLEGE #313
City TEMPE
State AZ
ZIP 85281-
Business Type PERFORMANCE PRESENTER
Domestic Begin Date 1/1/2005
Registered Date 1/19/2005

Agent/Owner Information
Agent ID Type Fullname Address City State ZIP Phone
558207 Owner WORLD TALENT, INC. 502 SOUTH COLLEGE #313 TEMPE AZ 85281-  

Registration Information
Received Amended Assigned Expiration Cancelled Revoked
1/19/2005     1/19/2010    

Correspondence History
Description Date Printed Filmed Loc. No. Page No. Pages
Application 1/19/2005 1/28/2005 4:30:06 PM       1

(Source: Arizona Secretary of State)

Website Addresses

iPOP! New York City 2005
www.2005iPOP.com

www.ipop-inc.com

Business Addresses

INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATION OF PERFORMERS ("IPOP")
502 SOUTH COLLEGE #313
TEMPE AZ 85281

IPOP Inc.
235 East 95th Street
Suite 33D
New York, NY, 10128
USA

Tel : +1 212-600-1951
Fax : +1 212-600-1946

Background Report

March 29, 2005

[Last Updated: April 05, 2005 ]

IPOP wants thousands of dollars but IPOP's website provided zero information about the background of its leadership and no justification of its pricing.

International Presentation of Performers (IPOP) is a new talent and modeling convention which reportedly costs the astronomical price of $7,000!1 At this price, IPOP is the most expensive modeling convention in America, and indeed, the world.

Helen Rogers, according to one person, is the founder of IPOP. She denied it. She used to own and operate IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association), a controversial similar modeling and talent convention, which cost $5,000, also based out of Arizona. IMTA was heavily promoted by John Robert Powers, and JRP is now promoting IPOP to its students.2 Currently, indeed, the only known business promoting IPOP is JRP.

One news report described the event:

The performers (actors, models, singers and dancers) who will audition at this event have been studying to develop their skills. Under the guidance of professional coaches, each of the young performers attending iPOP! will spend several hours each day during this four-day even[t] in professional coaching sessions, workshops and auditions, and will meet with agents, managers, and casting directors. Those who are selected at auditions will perform in a professional showcase at iPOP!'s Celebration of Success Awards Night on July 20, where top international agents will be seeking their first new star, and performers will receive awards for excellence in their field. 3

Tips about a Modeling Career

1. What Experts Say About Modeling and Talent Conventions

2. Read everything you can find on the internet about IMTA, the convention by the founder of iPOP, and other expensive conventions.


According to their own press release and numerous "feel good" newspaper accounts from around the country, 1200 iPop! contestants reportedly pay $10,000 including airfare to attend event with parent. Food not included.

Now the airfare and hotels are bound to cost around $3000 (correct me if I am wrong) so that leaves $7000 times 1200 which equals $8.4 million in revenue for each John Robert Powers sponsored event, which actually occurs twice each year.

If, as stated, roughly ten clients from each franchise are chosen to attend, it suggests that JRP has an annual client base of around 24,000. This number may however be skewed by the fact that iPOP! contestants who audition to attend need not be franchise course clients.

"Performers must audition at an approved iPOP! Member Academy, and must have had some formal training in acting, singing, dancing, or modeling to be accepted to attend."

So, just which companies qualify as a Member Academy beyond JRP itself? And is formal training from another company, school or professional association enough to be accepted?

iPOP!
[International Presentation of Performers]
established 2004
8581 Santa Monica Blvd.
Ste. 403, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Joseph Beauchamp, President
Tiffany Rochel, Vice President
ipopconvention.com
310-385-8025


At John Robert Powers, he took classes that gave him experience with drama monologues and with the business of having perfect manners. He's been a busy working professional model on top of everything else.

Ballet student making debut with SF Ballet's 'Nutcracker' - Pacifica Tribune, Dec. 20, 2007


In October, as a student with the John Robert Powers School System in Tampa, 10-year-old Marcella Brown auditioned for a casting director from the International Presentation of Performers, popularly known as iPOP!, and was chosen to participate in the organization's talent extravaganza to be held Jan. 3-7 in Los Angeles. Together with other selected young performers from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, Marcella will attend iPOP! workshops and auditions and meet with agents, managers and casting directors from the United States and the international community who are seeking to find and develop new, young talents.

Talent search selects area girl - Herald Tribune, Dec. 20, 2007


He’s a 6-year-old in first grade, and he’s got his sights set on more than learning how to write cursive. He wants his name written in lights.

The son of Tracy and Stuart Maguire, his dream is to be on television or in a movie.

Recently chosen out of 212 contestants to go to Los Angeles, he is seeking help to make his young dream a reality. Archer’s parents helped him write a letter to sponsors. His post script says, “My parents helped me write this letter and are behind me 100 percent!”

At the first of the year, Maguire will fly to California to compete at the International Presentation of Performers [IPOP].

“This is a rare opportunity for me to perform in front of many national and international talent scouts and agents, as well as a chance to learn about the entertainment industry from experts in the field,” Maguire wrote in the letter.

n addition to his schooling at Batavia Elementary School, he takes classes at the John Robert Powers School of Acting in Cincinnati.

It will cost about $10,000 for Archer and his mother to fly to the East Coast, along with their lodging and a myriad of other duties and activities they must accomplish while there.

Mail donations to Archer Maguire..

Youngster has sights set on Hollywood - Wilmington News Journal Dec. 7, 2007


Lisbon boy sets sights on Hollywood

(WI) - Richmond School sixth-grader Cody Hagen is headed for Hollywood.

The 11-year-old is one of eight children from Wisconsin invited to the International Presentation of Performers in Los Angeles on Jan. 3-7 for a competition judged by a panel of agents, managers, casting directors and other industry professionals.

Just seven will actually be able to make the trip, Cody said. He knows them all as fellow students at the John Robert Powers School in Brookfield, which is sponsoring the trip and where Cody is studying acting and modeling.

The John Robert Powers School System has 64 schools around the world, 15 of them in California and five outside the U.S.

Cody and his mother, Tracy, still need $8,000 for the trip, however.

That's why they're holding a Shop 'Til U Drop fundraiser.

People who want to contribute to Cody's big adventure can buy products from at least 20 home-based businesses that will set up booths at the event. They can also donate directly with a check made out to Cody Hagen.

However much the Hagens raise at the event, they plan to make up the difference, if they need to, and go anyway.

"The is such a huge opportunity for an 11-year-old," Tracy Hagen said.

Living Lake Country - December 5, 2007


Local girl has chance at fame

Ten-year-old Alexis Brandow looks like a normal child with long blonde hair, brown eyes and light brown freckles who enjoys math, swimming, four-wheeling, dancing, pets and people.

But this Lexington native is far from ordinary - she may well be on her way down the road of stardom. In January she will have the chance to attend the International Presentation of Performers in Los Angeles.

She auditioned with a group of 200 children and teenagers at the John Robert Powers School in Charlotte, which she has been attending for a little over a year, said her mother, Misty Palmer. Alexis was then selected with 14 other children to go to iPOP! John Robert Powers is an acting and modeling school that prepares children, teens and adults for careers in modeling, acting and singing.

Her family has been trying to raise money for Alexis, who is the oldest of five siblings ages 6 months to 11 years old. With five children, a house and other bills to pay for, Palmer said it's hard for her and Alexis' father, James Brandow, to pay the $12,000 to cover Alexis' airfare, hotel stay, personal makeup artist, training and fees for the competition. That doesn't even include money for food and other necessities. Palmer will also have to pay an additional $1,900 as a parent chaperone.

"We're not rich. We're trying," Palmer said. "My main thing is getting her on the plane. If we get her on the plane, it will be worth it."

Like any mother who wants the best for her children, Palmer has been talking to local businesses and getting Alexis sponsors.

"Every parent wants to give their child the chance of a lifetime," Palmer said. "She's been working extremely hard. It's an experience of a lifetime for her, me and anybody."

The family even held a yard sale a couple of weeks ago and raised nearly $600. They have plans to host another one at the Exxon station on U.S. Highway 64 East in front of Modern Tire.

Palmer said some items they have received from donors are being raffled off to raise money, and an account for Alexis has been established at LSB TheBank for anyone that would like to donate as well.

"We thank everyone that attended the yard sale or has donated and helped give her the chance to represent Lexington," Palmer said. "To everybody we ask that you keep her in your prayers."

Sponsors who contribute $100 or more will be listed in iPOP!'s Digital Program Book, which is presented to more than 500 industry VIPs attending iPOP! and more than 2,500 individual attendees. The donations are tax-deductible. Palmer also plans to make Alexis a Web page for sponsors to access and keep up with her progress while they're in Los Angeles.

"We're very appreciative to anybody that sponsors her," Palmer said. "We won't forget where we came from. It helps her, and it looks good to be under her name."

lexis said she can't wait to see the big buildings and lights of Los Angeles.

It will be an unforgettable experience for both Alexis and Palmer, who have never been on a plane before.

The Dispatch (KY) - November 1, 2007


Hollister dancer competes in Las Vegas

(CA) What started as an interest in dance movies such as "Stomp the Yard" and "Step Up," has turned into something more for 10-year-old Josiah Ochoa.

..the youngster recently took second place in the International Presentation of Performers talent competition in Las Vegas.

His father, Manuel, explained that Ochoa auditioned and was accepted to the John Robert Powers acting and modeling school last November.

Ochoa waited four months and then started looking around at dance studios in Hollister. He chose Torres' studio because of the family-like atmosphere and the dedication to teaching Torres has for her students.

"I think it's because I came here that I took second in Las Vegas," Ochoa said. "Nobody else there even knew about Latizmo."

"They auditioned 300 dancers and from there they chose 11 to compete in front of the judges" Manuel said. "Josiah was one of the 11."

The judges were choreographers for famous dancers including Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Wayne Brady.

The Pinnacle - July 20, 2007


Local teen to perform for top talent scouts

(CA) - When 15-year-old Dana Pike, a Tehachapi High School freshman, was overheard by a top talent scout as she sang to her mom while they took a powder room break during a recent doctor’s appointment, she never expected the old cliche´ of being at “the right place at the right time” to originate in the most unmentionable of rooms.

“It was really weird. I think that God just wanted me to be there,” said Dana, adding, “She [her mom] almost didn’t take me to that appointment. Then none of this would have happened.”

After the initial shock and skepticism wore off, Dana’s mom, Carolyn Pike, allowed her daughter to audition cold that same afternoon for not one, but two talent scouts who represent the International Presentation of Performers (iPOP!). Dana was invited on the spot to participate in iPOP!’s invitation only, bi-annual convention, scheduled July 2-6 in Las Vegas.

“She’s been singing since before she could talk,” said Carolyn, who is trying to organize numerous local fundraising events to cover the $5,000 entry fee, which includes lodging and transportation, as well as vocal performance and talent industry-related coaching and seminars. The Pike family is hoping that local businesses and individuals will help support Dana’s dream of becoming a famous singer — and role model.

Tehachapi News - April 2, 2007


iPOP’s president and co-founder, Helen Rogers, hoped her strategy of creating intense one-on-one programs would appeal to talent candidates seeking to merge their fashion and modeling background with the music and entertainment industry.

http://www.pageantrymag.com/magazine/features/2005/d05/d05_ipop/d05_ipop.html


When Ron Patterson, Chairman and President of John Robert Powers acting and modeling school system John Robert Powers Official Site (http://www.johnrobertpowers.net/) took the iPOP! Awards Stage last July in Las Vegas the audience of 3,000 talented young aspiring actors, singers, dancers, and models and their parents were expecting Mr. Patterson to announce winners in several iPOP! categories...

At that moment Ron Patterson asked Yana and the mother to come up to the stage where he not only presented the gifted child with a special iPOP! acting award but then proceeded to tell Yana and her mother Debbie that he would be establishing a college fund in Yana's name in the amount of $20,000. Needless to say there was not a dry eye in the audience from that moment on.

Since attending iPOP! Yana has jumped head first into the acting business and has already been signed by the prestigious Brown Leader Management in Los Angeles. Yana will be making the rounds in Hollywood auditioning for upcoming films and television shows.

International Presentation of Performers, iPOP! iPOP! Convention (http://www.ipopconvention.com/) is the successful merger of fashion and modeling with the music and entertainment industry, creating one of the largest and most well respected showcases for aspiring, actors, singers, models and dancers. iPOP! introduces new talent to perspective agents, managers and talent scouts while also providing a unique and intense workshop environment for young talent to learn their trade from top professionals in their fields...

In July of 2007 1200 iPOP! aspiring actors, models, singers and dancers arrived in Las Vegas full of hopes to become America's next big star. iPOP! President, Joseph Beauchamp and Vice-President, Tiffany Rochel were both thrilled with Las Vegas.

John Robert Powers is an internationally recognized acting and modeling school system with locations throughout the United States, Europe and Asia John Robert Powers School Locations (http://www.johnrobertpowers.net/locations.asp). For over eighty years, John Robert Powers has been training students in acting, singing, dancing, modeling and etiquette. Emphasizing personality development, John Robert Powers provides every student with the schooling, guidance, and confidence to further their individual potential and reach their highest career goals. Famous alumni thru either the school or the John Robert Powers agencies include First Ladies, Jackie Kennedy and Betty Ford, Princess Grace of Monaco, Raquel Welch, Lucille Ball, Ann Margaret, Diana Ross, Faith Ford, Josh Duhamel, Janice Dickinson, Ryan Locke and Nikki Taylor.

Undated press release.


The International Presentation of Performers, or iPOP!, is a semi-annual convention for market-ready talent and participants are carefully selected by audition. Hundreds of today's top industry professionals come to iPOP! scouting for new faces.

iPOP! places market-ready talent in front of numerous TV and film agents, commercial agents, casting directors, producers, recording industry A & R reps, modeling agencies, and management companies from around the world. Exposing talent to this many industry professionals over the course of a few days can take years off the process of breaking into a career in entertainment!

Bay area performers have had incredible success at past conventions. All JRP students are encouraged to audition. Check out www.ipopbayarea.com for more information. There are costs associated with participating.

Questionable emphasis added - Source: http://www.jrprevolutionized.com/ipop.php


How can I attend iPOP!?

The performers must complete training at one of the participating schools to be able to attend the event. iPOP! is known for showing the agents only those performers who are learning their craft, are passionate about it, and have what it takes to become a success. Your teacher/coach will know when you are ready to show your beautiful talented self to the agents, managers and casting directors. You can find a participating school closest to your home here.

Which talent and modeling agents and managers attend the convention?

Agents, managers and casting directors can attend iPOP! by invitation only. Invitational list is limited to those agents and managers who are reputable and respected in the business, and have the power to launch careers for actors, models, singers and dancers. It's not "how many" that matters at iPOP! it's "who." Find out who are some of the agents that we're inviting to iPOP! Hollywood 2006 here.

Why are aspiring models and talent called "Performers" at iPOP!?

There are no "contestants" at iPOP! "Contestants" go to beauty pageants. iPOP! respects each participant as a performer, who attends the event to improve their auditioning and performing skills, perform in front of the leading professionals in the industry, and develop networking skills that will benefit them in the future.

Source: http://ipopconvention.com/faq_text.htm


The International Presentation of Performers (iPOP!) is held bi-annually in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. iPOP! is attended by 55+ studios from the United States, Canada and England. Also in attendance at iPOP! were 150 of the top professionals from all mediums of the entertainment industry including agents, casting directors and managers.

Contact: Gavin Davie

John Robert Powers - Tampa
813-281-8880
5660 W. Cypress Street Tampa, FL 33607
www.jrptampa.net


Registrant:
Michael Shavel
Michael Shavel
8 Albano Court
Palmyra, VA 22963

Registrar Name....: REGISTER.COM, INC.
Registrar Whois...: whois.register.com
Registrar Homepage: www.register.com

Domain Name: ipopconvention.com

Created on..............: Fri, Aug 19, 2005
Expires on..............: Wed, Aug 19, 2009
Record last updated on..: Thu, Jul 12, 2007

Administrative Contact:
Michael Shavel
Michael Shavel
8 Albano Court
Palmyra, VA 22963
US
Phone: +1.5166173102
Email: mike@shavelconsulting.com

1. Ipopconvention.com
2. Ipopdirectory.com
3. Ipopgallery.com
4. Ipopregister.com
5. Ipopshop.net
6. Ipoptest.com


Derry boy strives to launch performance career - Blairsville Dispatch, Nov. 30, 2007

(PA) - Children have always been encouraged to dream. One local mother is striving to help her young son overcome personal challenges and realize his dream of shining in the spotlight.

C.J. McAdams, a sixth-grader at Derry Area Middle School who would like to make his mark in acting, has been chosen by a Pittsburgh agency to attend the International Presentation of Performers (iPOP) convention Jan. 4-7 at the Hyatt Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The event brings together agents, managers and others in the entertainment industry to audition selected young talent.

Kim McAdams and her husband, Don, have been working hard to raise the $10,000 needed for them to take C.J. to the convention. The cost covers everything except food.

C.J., who was adopted by the McAdams family three years ago, will turn 12 on Saturday. Since summer's end, he's been taking classes through the John Robert Powers (JRP) agency, a school for acting and modeling that operates a branch in Pittsburgh and currently is handling about 65 clients.

Executive Director Lisa Persang explained JRP is named for the actor who founded the school 80 years ago. It trains and promotes its clients in the entertainment industry. In addition to taking classes, students may meet each month with a manager, agent, casting director or magazine editor from New York City or Los Angeles.

Each JRP branch normally chooses its top 10 clients to attend the iPOP conventions, held twice a year.

In January, "Our Pittsburgh school is only taking seven clients because that was all that our president felt was ready," Persang stated. "We only pick the best of the best to go and represent JRP Pittsburgh."

And C.J. is one of those clients.

According to Persang, between 90 and 95 percent of JRP students who attend an iPOP convention have received call-backs and are signed by an agent or manager.

McAdams said her son is enjoying the training and preparation for his audition, noting that health problems don't allow him to play any sports. "We have been trying to find something for three years that would be a good fit for him, and he really seems to enjoy this."

C.J.'s various health problems are a primary reason his parents are determined to make his planned trip to L.A. work out.

Shortly after his adoption, C.J. was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem. Tests also revealed a chromosome ailment that has led to some learning disabilities. He was later diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder as well as Tourette Syndrome--a neurological disorder that can trigger motor or vocal tics.

His mother believes working in the entertainment field "would be a great career for him. With his physical disabilities mixed in with his emotional challenges of his past, it is probable that he will have a hard time gaining meaningful employment as he gets older.

"This is something that will be good for him. He's a character!"

McAdams and her husband had considered enrolling C.J. in a formal tutoring program to help him overcome his social and learning obstacles, but the expenses were too great.

When they began researching JRP, they found that it offered life skills training in such areas as poise, diction, manners and peer involvement.

"He's lacking in all of those because of his background," McAdams acknowledged.

"He struggles in school because he's lacking all the basic skills from moving around all the time...His education evaluation showed he's very smart--it's more the social aspect."

"Since he started, his personal assistant at school says there's been a big change in him," McAdams said. "He's more socially active now than he was before."

Persang said C.J.'s health disabilities should not be a setback for him in the entertainment business.

"The whole acting field, they're looking for a unique, different look," she said. "In this business, (disabilities) aren't a deterrent. With C.J., I think it just pushes him to work extra hard."

McAdams believes that her son came to the attention of JRP through a photo contest at a local department store.

When the family went to the store to sit for a Christmas portrait, she said, the photographer remarked that C.J. had a photogenic quality and suggested entering his photo in a annual contest that allowed shoppers to vote for their favorite "sweetheart" among the pictured children.

"Nothing happened with that, but about three months later, we got a random call from John Robert Powers," McAdams noted.

That resulted in an audition at the school, with C.J. being videotaped as he read the script for a cereal commercial.

"They needed to feel that he was marketable enough to attend the school," his mother said.

Within a week, Persang called the family and reported that C.J. was one of 11 prospective students chosen from more than 180 who had auditioned over a two-week period.

His parents registered him for the school in July and met with representatives to determine the type of instruction he would receive.

McAdams and Persang helped C.J. write a Nintendo commercial that he performed in one-one-one auditions JRP arranges for its student with industry agents and managers from New York City and L.A.

"C.J. himself decided to do it on Nintendo because he got a Nintendo DS last year for Christmas and he loves playing it," McAdams said.

At his first one-on-one, C.J. received a score of five out of 10 from the industry professional, who provided a review citing his strong points and what he needed to work on to be a more successful candidate for acting or modeling. After just a few classes, C.J. had another meeting with an agent and was given an "excellent" on his review.

"The agent said that C.J. has an old soul in a young body," McAdams said. "He was told that he gave a great interview, he's an interesting kid with a good look, and he has a unique voice" for possible voice-over work.

"I always dreamed of acting," C.J. stated, noting he wants to pursue either acting or modeling. "I didn't really dream of singing. I'm afraid I'm going to mess up" when singing.

C.J. began his instruction on Aug. 4, initially attending a pre-teen commercial and television class that covered both modeling and acting.

"We do commercials, practice them, and they tell us to read (the scripts) different ways, work with our body language," C.J. said. "They talk about actors and how you can be one."

One exercise had the students listening to a piece of music.

"We had to write what we thought the music sounded like," C.J. recalled, noting the classes "have been really fun."

After one session with a visiting agent, C.J. was among several young performers invited to audition the following weekend for an iPOP berth.

He performed for a panel that included the owner of Pittsburgh JRP, Michelle McLeod-Baxter, and was one of just seven deemed suitable for the convention from among 100 youngsters who auditioned.

Now, instead of the usual acting and modeling courses he had been taking, C.J. is undergoing 10 weeks of more intensive, specialized training to prepare him to meet the hundreds of agents from around the world who attend iPOP events.

"It's like a turbo way to expedite their career," Persang said.

"They give a lot more instruction," McAdams said of the iPOP classes. "And instead of 20 kids in his class, there are only seven," ranging from age 9 to 18.

The two divisions that C.J. will be participating in at iPOP are iACT and iMODEL. In iACT, each student will perform a commercial and a monologue and participate in a group activity, while iMODEL will introduce the kids to print advertising. There also are singing and dancing divisions.

Officials with iPOP provided C.J. an Adidas commercial to use in his auditions. His mother helped him compose the monologue he will use, with a theme on adoption.

"We chose to make up our own because he could put real emotion and feelings into this piece, and I believe that it will be therapeutic for him to be able to show how far he has come in three years," McAdams said. "It's about how scary it is at first moving in with strangers, then realizing that now you are safe, warm, have food and are loved."

C.J., who also will prepare a scene from a movie, chose a favorite segment from the movie "Scooby Doo."

McAdams has to take C.J.'s entire wardrobe to Pittsburgh so that JRP representatives can pick the outfits he will take to L.A.

They have been schooled on how to act once they have left their homes.

"As soon as you get to the airport, you're in iPOP mode," McAdams said. "Because you never know if an agent is on the plane or at the airport, and you don't want to give them the wrong look, speak the wrong way."

The four-day convention will consist mostly of auditions, but various seminars and workshops also will be offered to the children.

"If you go to JRP, you're guaranteed 12-15 auditions per year," McAdams stated. But, "They say...you would have to go to JRP for five to 10 years to get the same attention" afforded young performers at iPOP, "to get that many people to see you."

Call-backs from agents and managers are generally provided right at the convention.

"They will let the owners of the schools know first," McAdams said.

She and the other parents of children chosen for iPOP have been warned not to sign anything given to them by an agent or manager without first having JRP officials look it over, "to see if it's legit and that it's people they know," McAdams said.

Rachael Bell, a JRP client from Butler who attended one of last year's iPOP events, now has an agent and manager, has been featured in a national Sprint commercial and can be seen in a video by the rock group Foo Fighters.

C.J. and his family are hoping that iPOP will bring him a similar outcome.

"He is a good kid," Persang said. "He's determined, and that's what's going to really help him at this convention."

Persang said she was the one who signed C.J. as a client of JRP.

"When he sat in that (audition) room, he had this light, this fire in his eyes," she said. "He listened to directions well, he looks good on camera. He's a go-getter. He knows what's expected of him and he does it."

"This could be his greatest chance to not only gain meaningful employment that best suites his physical, mental and emotional needs, but may be the best thing to help him overcome his traumatic past and really learn and understand that he is somebody in this world and that he deserves the best that life has to offer," McAdams said.

In order to raise money for the L.A. trip, McAdams has been selling homemade grapevine wreaths, with fall or winter themes, for $30 a piece. She also has been offering hot dogs and sauerkraut for $1 at her workplace and sells candy bars.

She planned to approach local businesses for sponsorships.

The McAdams family additionally will sponsor two spaghetti dinners at the Hillside Methodist Church in Derry, from 5 to 8 p.m. today and Saturday. The cost is $5 at the door. Extra fundraisers at the dinner include a bake sale, wreaths, Chinese auction, raffle, craft items and scratch card donations.

In addition to the meals, the McAdams are accepting old cell phones and ink jet cartridges as a recycling fundraiser. They also are selling Amber Alert children's watches for $29.95. Of that total, $10 will go toward C.J.'s trip and the rest benefits the Amber Alert Foundation.

In addition to normal time-keeping functions, the watches have a feature that can be activated if the child wearing it is in danger. It emits a 115-decibel sound that can be heard from more than a football field away, signaling for help.

McAdams has been allocated 10 spots in the iPOP performance booklet for businesses or individuals who donate the 10 highest amounts toward sponsoring her son.

Those wishing to donate can make checks payable to John Robert Powers. Donations are tax-deductible and receipts can be issued by John Robert Powers for tax documentation.


She isn’t an overnight success yet, but Kaitlin Harvey, 9 of Jeffersonville, is well on her way. After just six months of classes at the John Robert Powers Modeling and Acting School, the Utica Elementary third-grader was invited to attend the International Presentation of Performers, or iPOP, in Los Angeles Jan. 4-8.

Harvey and her parents, Chris and Jason, are in need of sponsors to help fund the trip to iPOP, where Harvey will work with professional coaches and audition in front of more than 200 agents, casting directors and producers.

iPOP works with a nonprofit organization that puts together and sends care packages to U.S. soldiers called Soldiers Angels. Every dollar collected through iPOP is matched and donated to the organization.

http://soldiersangelsnetwork.blogspot.com

http://soldiersangels.org/


To: soldiersangels@gmail.com

I read this news item and wondered whether it was true.

"iPOP works with a nonprofit organization that puts together and sends care
packages to U.S. soldiers called Soldiers Angels. Every dollar collected
through iPOP is matched and donated to the organization."

International Presentation of Performers, popularly known as iPOP! is a John
Robert Powers sponsored event.

Since iPOP appears to generate around $21 million per year or more, not all of
which is in the form of donations, I wondered roughly how much they do provide
to support your wonderful organization since they appear to issue charitable
donation tax receipts.

EZBC - Dec. 23, 2007


Reply

Ipop has been great to Soldiers Angels, and are a great supporter of our brave troops.

They have had 3 events with us, each one gaining an average of $4500 in donations, which IPOP matched. These are a great groups of folks who run a tight ship.

We only issue tax receipts to those who donate directly to us at our table at the EXPO or send into us.

See some previous publicity from us

http://sablogs.com/index.php?blog=46&title=ipop_ny_raises_money_for_u_s_troops&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
http://soldiersangelsnetwork.blogspot.com/2006_07_01_archive.html
http://pageantrymagazine.com/magazine/News_and_Views/Industry_InSite/2007/b07/b07_IndInSite_iPOP.htm

These are great people, who have done nothing but offer to help.

Thank you,

Patti Patton-Bader


Editor's Note

While it is still unclear how a "for profit" issues tax receipts to people sending kids to a related corporate event, it appears that it is the participants themselves who first donate to an actual charity before iPOP! matches it.

"iPOP! participants who include young singers, actors, dancers and models from across the United States will have an opportunity to help contribute to Soldiers' Angels by buying care packages for the US troops or making Soldiers' Angeles charity donations.

For every dollar that is collected for Soldiers Angels by the young performers, iPOP! will match this amount and donate it directly to Soldiers’ Angels.

Billed as a unique training program, iPOP! provides participants hours of one-on-one training with top professionals in all mediums of entertainment. iPOP!’s goal is to prepare aspiring performers to meet perspective agents, managers and casting directors. Last year’s attendees successfully landed lucrative modeling assignments and performance bookings across the country. Participants also gained representation by the biggest agencies Hollywood and New York has to offer."


Among the many recognizable names in attendance at iPOP! were Shaun Robinson, Access Hollywood correspondent and weekend host; Michael Maddox, producer and fashion designer; Tommy Fukuda, director of major fashion shows for Betsey Johnson, Donna Karen, and DKNY; Raymundo Baltazar, who appeared on Bravo’s hit series Project Runway 2; and Sam Sarpong, star of the MTV show Yo-Mamma.

Face to face with stardom. -

http://www.pageantrymag.com/magazine/features/2006/b06/b06_ipop/b06_ipop.html


Many well-known celebrities have presented at iPOP! in the past, including Josh Duhamel, well known for his role in Las Vegas. Other celebrities attending past iPOP! performances are Ryan Starr (American Idol), Matt Cedano (Days of our Lives), Erin Sanders (Zoey 101), and Michael Copon (One Tree Hill).

iPOP Las Vegas 2007 - Associated Content


End notes

1. "Local teen to perform in NYC," Lahontan Valley News and Fallon Eagle Standard, Mar. 24, 2005. http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/20050324/COMMUNITY/103240010 [Mar. 29, 2005].

2. An advertisement on JRP's website read: "April 2nd 2005 IPOP Auditions. The International Presentation of Performers (IPOP) will be auditioning here in Atlanta. Call to make your audition time as soon as possible." (http://www.johnrobertpowers.net/Location.asp?Loc=5) [Mar. 29, 2005]. Images of St. Louis Inc, aka John Robert Powers St. Louis, is also promoting IPOP: "Who is John Robert Powers. . . . Members of iPOP! - The International Presentation of Performers." (http://www.images-stlouis.com/images-stlouis/powers.html) [Mar. 29, 2005].

3. http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/20050324/COMMUNITY/103240010 [Mar. 29, 2005].