A former board member of The Second Mile has filed a lawsuit against the charity, according to a civil complaint filed Tuesday.
Lance and Ellen Shaner are seeking a refund of the $250,000 they contributed to The Second Mile, according to court documents. Former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky founded the charity in 1997.
The Shaners originally donated with the intent that the money would be used to fund a “Center for Excellence” campus, or an instructional and recreational center for the charity, according to court documents. Lance Shaner, Chairman of the Shaner Companies and CEO of Shaner Hotels, and Ellen Shaner made payments of $50,000 each year between Nov. 4, 2005 and Aug. 11, 2010.
The Shaners requested a refund on Nov. 14, 2011, when The Second Mile decided it would not move forward with the “Center for Excellence” program.
According to court documents, the Shaners received a letter from The Second Mile at the end of November, promising that their funds would be returned as soon as approval was granted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General.
The Shaners reported in the documents that they are not aware of The Second Mile taking steps to seek any such
approval.
“We will review the lawsuit and respond appropriately when we have done so, continuing to adhere to our legal responsibilities in the process,” The Second Mile said in a statement.
“Our primary focus remains helping the children of our communities; we’re evaluating the future of our programs so those kids can continue to
benefit.”
Construction on the 60-acre center located in Bellefonte began in 2011, but efforts were halted in November, following substantial financial cutbacks. Sandusky was charged with sexual abuse in November.
Two lawsuits have been filed against The Second Mile in connection with the charges. The charity also saw a decline in donations resulting in personnel cutbacks.
In addition to their donations and servitude on The Second Mile board, the Shaners are also listed as members of the Arthur C. and Evelyn M. Sandusky Society. Members of this society have special provisions reserved in their estates or a planned gift committed for The Second Mile.
