The long-running Kars4Kids jingle is back on the air in California after a court lifted a temporary ban, allowing the ads to continue while the charity appeals a false advertising ruling.
A California man sued Kars4Kids last month, claiming the ads misled donors by failing to disclose that car donations primarily benefit Oorah, a Jewish organization that funds youth trips to Israel and other religious programs. An Orange County court initially ruled the jingle violated California’s false advertising law and ordered it off the air. Kars4Kids appealed, and the court has now permitted the ads to resume during the appeals process.
“Kars4Kids applauds today’s court ruling allowing its ads to continue airing in California while the appeals process continues,” a spokesperson said. “The uninterrupted airing of its ads will enable the charity to continue funding its programs for children and families. We believe the lower court’s findings on the facts and the law were deeply flawed.”
The jingle, famous for nearly 30 years, has faced similar complaints before. In 2009, Oregon and Pennsylvania fined Kars4Kids $130,000 and required it to disclose its religious affiliations in future advertisements.
Kars4Kids has maintained that its website clearly states its Jewish affiliation. The organization says donations support programs for children and families, though funds have also gone toward a matchmaking program for Jewish young adults and the purchase of a $16.5 million building in Israel.
The jingle could be removed again depending on the final outcome of the appeal. For now, it will remain part of California radio broadcasts.