Catholic school nixes American Girl fundraiser

Officials concerned with retailer’s contributions to advocacy group Girls Inc.

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updated 1:43 p.m. ET Oct. 31, 2005

MILWAUKEE - A Roman Catholic school is canceling a fashion show by American Girl, a manufacturer of a popular line of dolls and children's books, amid criticism that it is contributing to an organization that supports abortion rights and acceptance of lesbians.

St. Luke School in Brookfield notified its parents of the decision through bulletins at Masses over the weekend. Money raised through ticket and raffle sales was to go toward a new playground and a refurbished library.

"It's a bargain we'll just have to pass up," wrote Frank Malloy, St. Luke pastor. "The cost is too high. Our integrity isn't for sale."

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American Girl spokeswoman Julie Parks said no other groups have canceled because of the issue. The fashion shows include the company's popular historic dolls being carried by girls who dress up in the same outfits.

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Two national groups — the Pro-Life Action League in Chicago and the American Family Association in Tupelo, Miss. — have raised questions about the American Girl brand and its parent company, Mattel Inc. because of the company's fund-raising for Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. offers a wide range of programs and resources to help educate and encourage girls in everything from science to health. That includes information about abortion and contraception along with sexual abstinence. The organization also affirms lesbian sexual orientation.