KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Broncos Kitchen Foundation, a hunger relief charity that serves free dinners to those in need in Kalamazoo, is coming under fire from a famous actor and activist it is trying to honor.
Broncos Kitchen Foundation established the LeVar Burton Library in June. According to its website, it is a new educational facility that “will provide unique resources, programs, and services for all visitors.” The LeVar Burton Library website and social media accounts prompt users to make financial donations.
But Burton’s official Twitter account admonished the foundation in a tweet Tuesday, calling it a “scam.”
The Twitter post said “This is not me nor is this effort affiliated with me in any way! This should not be ok. It is clearly a scam! Any help in reporting is truly appreciated.”
Pastor William Stein, the co-founder of Bronco’s Kitchen and director of the LeVar Burton Library, says his staff tried to make contact with Burton about the literacy foundation in his name but never heard back.
Stein said the foundation chose to name the library after Burton to honor him and his work as a literacy advocate.
Stein told WOOD-TV 8 the tweet from Burton’s verified account is not enough to scrap the name. Stein said if the foundation hears directly from Burton or his team of attorneys or representatives asking to change the name, then “we will honor his wishes.”
Burton is best known for his role in the Star Trek franchise and his work on the kids’ TV program “Reading Rainbow.”
