BOND Hosts Successful Charity Event With
Duane “DOG” Chapman
Los Angeles- On Saturday, December 15, 2007, BOND, the Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny hosted a book signing and Christmas toy giveaway with Duane “DOG” Chapman, star of the hit A&E Television show “DOG The Bounty Hunter.”
At around 11:15 a.m., the Hawaii-based bounty hunter arrived at the BOND headquarters in Los Angeles with his wife Beth and his agent, Alan Nevin. There was a line of kids and parents waiting outside on Pico Blvd in anticipation of DOG’s arrival and the toy giveaway.
As soon as the Chapmans pulled up and stepped out of their black limosine, the crowd cheered. Several kids immediately ran up to Duane and Beth and embraced them. The Chapman’s returned the embrace without any hesitation and went inside to begin the event. They were greeted with a warm applause and cheers from the staff and volunteers inside the BOND headquarters as well.
Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, Founder and President of BOND and Duane “DOG” Chapman both made brief statements to the press and the audience inside the building before the book signing and Christmas toy giveaway officially was underway.
Rev. Peterson welcomed the Chapmans by saying, “We’re happy to have Duane and Beth Chapman with us for this special charity event.” “I’ve had a chance to spend some time with Duane. I consider both he and Beth my friends and I’m glad to have them here… Duane has apologized for his comments and we accept his apology. It’s now time for him to get his show back and move on with his life…”
DOG came under fire after he used the “N” word on a recorded message to his son to describe his son’s girlfriend whom he believed was out to exploit he and his family.
The recording was leaked to the press. Soon after the tape went public, A&E temporarily suspended his show fearing a backlash similar to what happened with “Seinfeld” co-star Michael Richards and Don Imus.
Rev. Peterson added that despite what some might think, “I would trust the DOG over Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton or any other so called ‘black leader’ any day.” His remarks drew loud laughter and cheering from the audience.
Next, DOG took to the podium and said to Rev. Peterson, “I would trust you over Dr. Phil [McGraw]…” DOG was referring to the hit piece that was done on him by “The Dr. Phil Show” several weeks ago. He then thanked Rev. Peterson and said that despite the hardships, he and Beth have met some very good people and that he’s learned a lot through his trials. He also thanked his fans and all the people who have prayed and supported him throughout this situation.
After the statements, the book signing for DOG’s book “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide” and the Christmas toy giveaway was underway. Duane and Beth, along with Rev. Peterson, were positioned in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree surrounded by hundreds of shiny new toys. There were lines of kids and hundreds of adoring fans anxiously waiting their chance to meet the DOG.
Once the doors opened, kids came forward to shake DOG’s hand and then Beth helped them get their toys. The kid’s faces lit up with smiles as soon as they found the toys they liked. They then walked to a reception area with their parents where they could play with their toys and snack on Christmas goodies.
The crowd was predominantly black with other races interspersed. Duane and Beth were both very generous with their time. They talked with, shook hands, took pictures, and played with every single person and child at the event. Their sincerity and genuine care for the children and their adult fans was plenty evident.
Members of the press were in attendance including The Fox News Channel’s “Geraldo At Large,” as well as ABC 7 Los Angeles and other print and online media.
All the proceeds from the book signing went to “The BOND Home For Boys.” The Chapmans helped to make it a very Merry Christmas for several hundred kids who came to get toys and have some fun with the DOG.
The BOND event concluded around 2 p.m. and the Chapmans headed to South Central L.A. for another charity event for inner city kids. According to reports, they spent about $26,000 on toys for the kids.