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Organizer cancels triathlon fundraiser at Trump National in Mooresville

By Liz Foster
By Liz Foster

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s name is costing tens of thousands of dollars for local cancer research.

The organizer of the triathlon called Tri at the Trump opened up only to Channel 9 about the disheartening political debate that forced him to cancel the fundraiser.

"It wasn't an easy decision to make," Chuck McAllister told Eyewitness News anchor Liz Foster.

He said the fundraiser was only named because of the venue where it’s held: Trump National Golf Club Charlotte.

The annual triathlon benefits local kids with cancer and other life-threatening medical issues. In what would've been the event's third year, McAllister said he got multiple complaints about the name.

He changed the name last week to Tri for Good; but then people were upset once more, saying he caved to complaints.

"[The race is] not political. It has no bias, either right or left side,” McAllister said. “It's just about helping kids that can't help themselves."

After an intense online political debate, McAllister canceled the fundraiser altogether, just three weeks out. He is now telling sponsors and the 160 athletes who had signed up.

Foster asked if he was concerned if the event had been held if there would be a safety risk. McAllister replied, “100 percent."

Over the last three years, the race has raised more than $300,000 to benefit organizations, including the Isabella Santos Foundation. It was founded by Erin Santos to raise money for research for neuroblastoma. Her daughter lost her battle with the rare childhood cancer in 2012.

"It definitely means we have to work harder and during this busy time of the year, there isn't going to be another opportunity for us to put on another event, so that's just money we're going to lose," Santos said.

McAllister plans to bring back the event next year and keep the name Tri for Good. He said it will stay at Trump National Golf Club.

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