The jingle of Kars4Kids—a long-standing earworm among Americans—may soon be absent from California airwaves. Orange County Superior Court Judge Gassia Apkarian ruled that the advertisement violates California’s laws against false advertising due to its failure to disclose a religious affiliation. This decision places the jingle and the charity in the spotlight.
The Case Against Kars4Kids
The charity Kars4Kids channels most proceeds to Oorah, a New Jersey-based Orthodox Jewish nonprofit. Oorah supports various initiatives, including summer camps and trips to Israel. While Kars4Kids indicates this link on its website, the ad jingle does not. The catchy loop—’1-877-Kars4Kids / K-A-R-S Kars for Kids / Donate your car today’—leaves out critical details.
California resident Bruce Puterbaugh sued Oorah after donating his car under the belief that funds would aid California children in need. He testified that he felt misled once informed, post-donation, that the money supported a religious mission based elsewhere. Neal Roberts, his neighbor and a lawyer, represented Puterbaugh in the case.
Judge’s Findings
Judge Apkarian prohibited further airing of the ad in California without clear mention of Kars4Kids’ religious ties and primary beneficiaries’ geographic and age details. She noted that a reasonable consumer need not be ‘computer savvy’ to understand basic advertising disclosures. Consequently, Kars4Kids was mandated to pay Puterbaugh $250, equivalent to the car’s value, along with an order to cease the current advertisement.
Kars4Kids plans an appeal, criticizing the ruling as flawed and misuse of law, drawing attention to false advertising implications for charities nationwide.
Memorable Jingles Resurfacing
Nostalgic jingles often cement themselves in our minds, sometimes outlasting the products they advertise. In a nod to lingering jingles, notable ones have resurfaced or been reimagined recently.
Zoo Pals plates—cheery party favorites since 2000—returned in 2023 after discontinuation in 2014.
Folgers maintained relevance with ‘The best part of wakin’ up / is Folgers in your cup,’ first aired in 1984. Despite parodies and adaptations, the jingle’s royalties were auctioned for $90,500 in 2021. Recent remix versions juxtapose the classic with tracks like ‘Wake Up Little Susie.’
Comedian John Oliver humorously revisited J.G. Wentworth’s Viking opera jingle with insights on settlement companies. His parody enlisted Larry David among others, nodding to past features in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’
‘I’m a Toys R Us Kid’ debuted in the 1980s, remaining in public memory despite the franchise shuttering in 2018. James Patterson, jingle co-author, reminisced about its popularity, noting the fondness still held by many.