The nonprofit Hatch Detroit has gotten plenty of good publicity by awarding thousands of dollars to local businesses with money from donors.
Now, comes the bad publicity.
Katrease Stafford of the Detroit Free Press reports that co-founder Ted Balowski resigned Thursday and the organization said his role in its finances is being investigated by the nonprofit.
The organization was founded in 2011 by Balowski and Nick Gorga. The Freep reports that the nonprofit's goal is to boost small businesses and add more storefronts in the city.
“The Hatch Detroit Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of cofounder Ted Balowski and is investigating his role in the organization's finances. While the investigation continues, we cannot disclose further details,”Executive Director Vittoria Katansk said in an e-mail to the Free Press.
Donors that have contributed to the organization include Comerica bank and the Detroit Lions.
In 2011, the shop Hugh, which sells bachelor pad gear, got $50,000. The following year, Hatch awarded the $50,000 to the wine and tapas bar La Feria, and last year, the cash went to Batch Brewing.
