The familiar Kars4Kids jingle will continue to be played across California for the foreseeable future after a state appeals court sided with the charity in its ongoing legal battle over advertising.
On June 4, the California Court of Appeals ruled that Kars4Kids can continue airing its ads in the state while it challenges a lower court ruling that found the commercials to be deceptive.
The order temporarily halts a judge’s ruling that prohibits a New Jersey-based car donation charity from advertising in its current form. The Court of Appeals has not addressed the merits of the case, which is still under review.
The decision marks a significant victory for Kars4Kids, which relies heavily on its nationally recognized “1-877-Kars4Kids” advertising campaign for fundraising. For now, the famous jingle will remain on California’s airwaves as the nonprofit pursues its appeal.
Kars4Kids welcomes the ruling
“Kars4Kids applauds the court’s decision to allow its ads to continue airing in California while the appeal process continues,” the group said in a statement provided to USA TODAY.
“Kars4Kids’ programs benefit a wide range of children and teens in California and beyond. Uninterrupted advertising will allow the charity to continue funding its programs for children and families.”
The group said it believes the trial court’s findings were flawed and plans to pursue a broader appeal.
lawsuit claims
The lawsuit was filed by Bruce Puterbaugh, a California resident who donated the vehicle believing the charity primarily benefited poor children and said he was unaware of the connection to Ula, an Orthodox Jewish aid organization based in New Jersey.
In May 2026, Orange County Superior Court Judge Gasia Apkarian ruled that Kars4Kids’ ads violated California’s False Advertising and Unfair Competition Law by failing to adequately disclose the organization’s religious affiliation and the ultimate destination of donations. The judge ordered the ad to be removed in its current state and awarded Puterbaugh $250 in damages.
Extensive debate surrounding philanthropy
Kars4Kids rejected the ruling, arguing on its website that the court overlooked evidence showing the donations supported mentorship programs, educational assistance, summer camps and grants to nonprofit organizations, including in parts of California.
The controversy has brought new scrutiny to Kars4Kids’ fundraising efforts. A recent investigation by the Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, found the charity, which faces intense scrutiny in multiple states over its disclosure practices, spent $41.5 million on advertising in 2024, more than it distributed to Woola that year. Charity officials have defended these costs as necessary to generate car donations that help fund the program.
Contributed by Joe Strupp, Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network; USA TODAY reporter Drew Pittock
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or X @athompsonUSAT..
