Ailes Pulls Donation for Philipstown Senior Center
Garrison resident and former FOX News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes has pulled a $500,000 donation meant to go toward a new senior center at the Butterfield redevelopment.
In an article in the Putnam County News and Recorder, which is owned by the Ailes family and operated by his wife Beth, it states after the Putnam County Legislature failed to sign a charitable agreement with the Ailes Tuesday night, which would’ve put his name on the senior center, that he is taking the money elsewhere.
Ailes’ name was supposed to be placed on the senior center once completed, but since allegations of sexual harassment conduct by Ailes came to light that led to his resignation at Fox News, Philipstown residents and others from across the county have been strong-willed opponents of that. Dozens of residents came to the legislature meeting Tuesday to rebuke having Ailes’ name on the facility.
“The family said they had hoped to help the senior citizens in Philipstown but it is clear for political reasons their funding is not welcome,” part of the article stated. “Therefore they are withdrawing the money, cancelling the contribution agreement and assigning the money to another one of their charities who can put it to use immediately. They wish all seniors, even those who came out against them, the very best.”
More details to this story will appear in print next Tuesday.
