Weird (noble) job: raising money for cervical cancer
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
You gotta give Alec Mario Waclawski major props. Waclawski is walking from one coast to the other to raise $$ for cervical cancer research, a disease that killed his wife in 1999.
Dressed in a tux that looks like something my prom date wore and a pair of aviator shades, he’s passing through Phoenix on his way to Washington where he hopes to have a sit down with the President.
His goal is to collect a buck from every American and with that, he plans to establish a cancer research foundation in his home town of San Diego.
“I feel very positive,” Waclawski said in accented English. “I’m not worried about nothing. So far, I’ve met so many beautiful people.”
According to the National Cancer Institue, more than 3600 women have already died from cervical cancer this year. So if you see Waclawski (he’s seriously hard to miss), give him a dollar–you might help save a woman’s life.
You can read more about Waclawski’s mission here.
I see this a lot when it comes to people writing about charities, but I must point out that he is not, technically, “raising money for cervical cancer,” but for cervical cancer research. I know anyone reading it would know that’s what the post meant, but still, it always looks incredibly awkward to me when I see that phrasing.
I always have this problem explaining the nonprofit bookstore where I work: “We’re raising money for AIDS. Um, I mean not *for* AIDS. I mean, against AIDS. I mean, for people with AIDS. Um, you know know I mean, right? Yeah, good cause.”
I know the man featured in your article, Alec Mario Waclawski, a.k.a Famous Benny Chaplin. I have known him and have been associated with him for a few years. I primarily developed and maintained his website, http://www.famousbennychaplinwalk-a-thon.com, which I took down. I took it down because it became clear to me that he would not be compensating me for my time and efforts which he had promised he would do. I know for a fact that he had gambled contributions given to him by an Indian tribe which owns a casino in Pinetop , AZ. This was during several nights of free lodging given to him by the casino owner(s). He also managed to talk owners of a motel in Magdalena , NM into giving him several nights of lodging for free. Rich and Dana, their website is http://web.mac.com/hicountry/iWeb/Site%202/WELCOME.html , were mislead by Mr. Waclawski into thinking he would be buying the motel they have been trying to sell for a while. I talked to Rich and he said he observed that all that time Mr. Waclawski stayed with them, all he could talk about was how he could buy the motel with my help and hardly mentioned anything about his walk and cause for cancer research. Furthermore, he has not yet filed with the IRS to become a legitimate nonprofit organization. I therefore believe he is illegally representing himself as nonprofit. So I implore you to please take down this article before any more innocent people are mislead by this charlatan.
I know Mario very well - he is a great spirited man and although may not have the proper paper work, is doing it for the proper reasons
I found proof he claimed to be doing this for the American Cancer Society. I talked to the ACS and they deny any kind of involvement with him.
Follow this blog to know more about this man:
http://famousbennychaplinwalk-a-thon.blogspot.com/
Ms. Brockway sent me copies of her letters TO the agencies repeating her undocumented claims against Mario Waclawski. Anyone can write a letter. Unfortunately none of the agencies in question: IRS, American Cancer Society and FBI responded with any damaging evidence of their own investigations which would impugn Mr. Waclawski - at least nothing she has shown me.
I have seen the letter she sent to the American Cancer Society claiming that Mario was misrepresenting himself as their representative. She presented no evidence to them and only made the same undocumented allegations we are familiar with from the reams of material she types up endlessly. If the ACS is “investigating” Mario based upon her “evidence” I’m sure it is merely a formality, as they have to attend to any and all complaints that come across their desks. I sent my own letter to Stephen Browning, Regional Vice-President The American Cancer Society Border Sierra Region California Division, stating that, in my humble opinion, her charges were completely unsubstantiated.
Brockway continues to make her endless list of claims which may or may not be true but has yet to produce one shred of anything to back up her charges.
I am only indulging this absurd waste of time countering this character assassination because I think this woman should not be allowed to conduct her irrational vendetta undeterred. I do this only because I hate to see a good man defamed.
I would hope that Ms. Brockway is aware of the potential legal danger she is placing herself in by libeling Mr. Waclawski the way she has. Fortunately for her, Mario is not the vindictive sort and would likely not even press charges. Somehow I think she is counting on that.
Bob Boldt
Jefferson City, MO
I updated my blog with links to my letters to the FBI and IRS.
http://famousbennychaplinwalk-a-thon.blogspot.com/
I have given them names of witnesses and information that this man is also in trouble with the music industry for violating copyright laws. I’ve been assured by my contact with the IRS that this man will be investigated using the information I’ve provided and prosecuted to the fullest extent if he is found to be breaking the law(s). It is not Mr. Boldt’s place to decide whether or not Mr. Waclawski is innocent. He should leave it up to our legal system. And my intention is to not pass judgement on Mr. Waclawski … I am just the messenger/informer to the government and the person warning the public that not everything is ‘kosher’ with this person. I must remind everyone that Mr. Boldt’s opinion is his alone.
By the way, Mr. Boldt, in an earlier email from you to me you mentioned that I must ‘get a life’. Well, it seems that it is you who must go ‘get a life’. So far, you are the only person I know of who is hunting and pecking for any comments of mine on the internet about Mario Waclawski and then firing back with a smarty pants remark. Don’t you have anything better to do ??!!
By the way, Mr. Boldt, I am one of the earlier victims of Mr. Waclawski. He owes me money I had given him and compensation for my time and efforts when I helped him out earlier this year. It’s all stated in my blog. So if there’s anybody who has a valid reason to sue, it would be me.
Please Marie. Try to pay attention:
“I am only indulging this absurd waste of time countering this character assassination because I think this woman should not be allowed to conduct her irrational vendetta undeterred. I do this only because I hate to see a good man defamed.”
“Brockway continues to make her endless list of claims which may or may not be true but has yet to produce one shred of anything to back up her charges.”
Accusation is NOT proof.
Either put up or shut up.
Then we can both get back to our lives!
Heedless of the old adage “Let sleeping dogs lie” I hope that I am not starring up a new round of rants and slurs against Mario and me from Marie Brockway. I will have to take my chances with this as I have something important to report.
In the interest of full disclosure I must report that I decided to investigate the witnesses Ms. Brockway listed in support of her various claims of misdirection, fraud and bad character she advanced against Mario Waclawski. When Ms. Brockway was not forthcoming with any contracts, reports, affidavits, depositions or other documentation or evidence of the existence of said documentation from any of these people I figured I had better leave no stone unturned in my attempt to validate her charges. I have resolutely attempted to maintain a disinterest in Mario’s guilt or innocence of the accusations leveled against him. I also refused, unlike “everyone else she has ever talked to,” to accept these charges without proof.
This woman appears to be relentlessly dogging Mario’s tracks trying to get anyone to report on the slightest infraction or suspect behavior on his part. She even looked up and called the proprietor of the Chez Monet café here in Jefferson City, the place where she gave Mario a free lunch and the site of my initial meeting with him. Joan, the proprietor, told her that, not only did Mario fail to mention anything about raising money for cancer research but he was a perfect gentleman and kept everyone entertained. Somehow I don’t think Ms. Brockway will list the owner of that establishment on her witness list. Who knows? I can almost read her words now: “The owner/proprietor of the Chez Monet café in Jefferson City, MO reports that Mario Waclawski, in addition to other deceptions, even managed to weasel a free meal from her under false pretenses as a fundraising official for the American Cancer Society.”
I drafted letters to the some half dozen or more of Ms. Brockway’s alleged witnesses that I was able to tease out of the volumes of prose she has poured forth. With what I hoped would be as neutral a tone as possible, I composed a letter to each asking politely for as much detail as they would care to provide concerning their dealings with Mario Waclawski and Marie Brockway. I frankly was ready and willing to have at least some returns that might actually back up Ms. Brockway’s story. I thought that she must have one friend who would at least be willing to testify to his alleged defrauding of money due her for work done on his website.
Only one person responded. Cecilie Hudson, a realtor from Globe, Arizona, who was listed as a witness to the alleged non payment of funds to Ms. Brockway reported to the FBI Internet fraud division, claimed to me that “I do not know Mrs. Brockway.” she did go on to say that her “office gave him a contribution of $100 for his cross-country walk for cancer.” Subsequent requests sent to Ms. Hudson as to whether this was a cash or check contribution, whether a receipt was issued, etc. have gone unanswered. Ms. Brockway should be advised to take this woman’s name off the FBI Internet Fraud Division witness list, or she might be looking at charges of filing a false statement.
“Absence of proof is not proof of absence.” as our former benighted Sec. of Defense was fond of saying. The lack of response from these witnesses Ms. Brockway cited only definitively proves that no one chose to respond to my inquiries. If I may be allowed my own personal interpretation however, I might add that none of these people probably want to, in any way, be associated with this whole affair. And I think Ms. Brockway should be wary of including them in any complaints, suits or witness lists. She seems to be a woman determined to saw off even the precarious perch she has crawled out on. I also want to warn Ms. Brockway that I am keeping track of all this evidence of her apparent attempt at character assassination and will be happy to provide said evidence along with my testimony to Mr. Waclawski’s lawyers should it become necessary.
I hope and pray that Mario’s destination and his goal, improbable as it may seem to his more earthbound well-wishers, is achieved and that one day our paths may once again cross.
Godspeed to Mario!
Bob Boldt
I also know this man. Have known him for almost 30 years. We both lost someone we trully love to cancer. There is nothing more powerful in this world than love. HE just LOVES! He loves his wife, he loves his children, he LOVES his music, he loves to make you a good pizza pie, and he sure loves to laugh. He set a goal for himself, at 50 - to walk across the country… a hard task, if I may add. He has completed it now. He feels better about himself, like many great people who completed a difficult task, or who faced their fears. May GOD bless him!.. so he could touch more hearts… He is spreading his late wife’s joy, she knew how to dance with him. A smile is priceless. No money can ever replace the joy of a moment with someone you love.
Many thanks to Monica for her post. It is nice to receive some positive news posted about Mario. I am so happy that there are others out there who shared in the joyful experience of this gentle little man.
I guess someone as shining bright as Mario, is certain to generate a shadow. Such is Ms. Brockway, a shadow that seemed, for a time, to darken his path. I hope her absence is a sign that we have heard the last from her. In her last correspondence, she even threatened legal action against me for my coming to Mario‘s defense.
I am looking forward to seeing the video of his excellent adventure to see the wonderful wizard of “W” (Bush). I hope we can share any late breaking chapters in the life of the little tramp on his holy quest! Who knows, perhaps someday we can sit around a big checkered table cloth in Mario’s restaurant and swap stories, songs and share pizza with the man himself.
Peace,
Bob Boldt
Jefferson City, MO
I t have met Famous Benny Chaplin FBC, he’s famous allright, he’s probaly not even Polish.More like a Russian spy who hids behind the trees. I took him in very hot and tired. Good food good wine good spirits. Such a wonderful man I thought. So did my daughter and her roomate. They seemed so happy , just watching her and the little general ,we caled him that then. Those wonderful days. I can’t say how devastated we were when we found out he had also asked her roomate to marry him. My poor girl will never be the same. We thought she had found someone with honor and fame, to be so fooled by no more than a tee shirt, what can I say ? That’ sa what I’;ma talking about, I feel more like I do now than I did when I got here/ an authographed tee shirt is all we have to show for giving our selves unshelfishley to someone we trusted with our lives, and for my daughter almost married, to think what would have happened, what could have happened, what did happen. I can not enen think about it anymore. I’m selling the tee shirt on e-bay and keeping every penny, not one cent to chariy all for me. Me, me, me.
A truly a strange and disturbing story Mr. Hollingsworth. I am not sure what to say. Certainly it is not consistent with what I and many others have reported on this blog and elsewhere. In the absence of any substantiation, I will have to reserve judgment as to the veracity of your story.
May I simply say two things?
1] First of all, one must proceed with due caution when welcoming strangers. One should, even in the presence of seeming people of good will, be prepared to protect loved ones from possible unwelcome advances.
and
2] Mario’s behavior could be interpreted more than one way. I found him to be somewhat effusive around attractive women. He proposed marriage to the entire staff of waitresses in the restaurant he dined at when visiting us in Jefferson City. MO. Everyone took the proposals in the lighthearted spirit in which they were offered …nothing more. Is it possible your daughter’s roommate took the offer a little too seriously? Did by any chance the roommate have as much wine as Mario? You leave too many honest questions unanswered here.
Absent corroborating evidence and further details, I find your account a little too dramatic and also difficult to accept at face value.
Peace,
Bob Boldt
All I can say folks is read my blog about this no good pond scumbag http://famousbennychaplinwalk-a-thon.blogspot.com/
Mario likes to fool people … it now seems to be his lifelong mission. And I’m not surprised r hollingsworth and his daughter and roommate were fooled into buying his tee shirts. Not one penny will go to any charity he claims. He’s a fake and I can only imagine he is proposing to all sorts of women to get free sex.
I met Mr. Mario in Santa Rosa, New Mexico a year ago. I have interviewed hundreds of people in my newspaper career. Mario is a sincere individual. He lost his wife for gods sake. Give Mario a break. The only neg I have heard is from a dis-gruntled contracted employee who seems to have gone on the war-path. God hope I don’t piss her off with this note.
Good Luck Mr. Mario.
Boy, just when you thought it was safe to get back on the Internet. She’s BAAAACK!
I wish I could say that I have missed hearing from Ms. Brockway and her endless loop of unsubstantiated charges against Mario. I really thought she would have dismounted from her crusade by now. I guess not.
For the benefit of his many fans and loyal followers, I have unsubstantiated reports that he has returned to the safety of hearth and home – and his restaurant. Like the wise fool in the Tarot card, the pure in heart can brave trials most other mortals shrink from. I wish him a long and happy life!
Oh yes, Marie. I do have a theft to report to the IRS or any other agency you deem appropriate. Mario has stolen my heart.
Peace,
Bob
While going through a stray box that had yet to be unpacked since our move last year, I found a photo copy Mario had given me of the article about him in the East Valley (Mesa, AZ) Tribune. I met him walking on a very dangerous two lane highway outside of Globe,AZ. The road is winding with many blind curves and also ranges from 2000 to 4500 ft…several times. Mario had already walked about 15 miles, and after a brief conversation I convinced him to let me give him a ride the last 5 miles which are some of the worst, but he made me promise not to tell anyone (sorry Mario). I feel compelled to write on this blog I stumbled on for several reasons. Mario told me his story and idea but did not directly ask me for anything, not even the $1 which I gave him anyway. I specifically remember him speaking highly of his “friend” who set up his website to help with his journey and invited me to visit it to follow his journey. I tried to do so until it disappeared. Mario’s goal seemed misguided in a business sense and I would not have given him a large check without checking out his organization and getting a receipt, but he did not ask me for that. If I could have I would have brought him home for a home cooked meal and gotten a hotel room for him if I had had the means. (I can imagine him proposing to my wife after enjoying her cooking) Unfortunately our home was in dissaray preparing to move and sell our home. So I dropped him at the beginning of town and let him use my cell phone to call his obviously concerned daughter briefly to tell her where he was and that he was OK. I believe he was sincere and look forward to visiting his restaraunt the next time we are in SD.