Support for Scientology

MSNBC/February 28, 2005
By Jeanette Walls

Some high-profile Scientologists are donating some impressive celeb-related items to a charity auction, sometimes with the assistance of their corporate employers. And that has raised eyebrows among foes of the controversial group.

John Travolta has donated the chaps from "Urban Cowboy" and Beck gave a signed CD to raise funds for the Volunteer Ministers of the Churches of Scientology working with the victims of the tsunami. What's more, Catherine Bell donated a walk-on part on "JAG," Sofia Milos donated a walk-on role on "CSI: Miami," and Danny Masterson pitched in with a walk-on role on "That 70's Show."

"Get out your wallet and bid on these hot items," beckons the auction site at www.somethingcanbedone.com. "Soon you'll be in Hollywood on the set of your favorite show schmoozing with the cast."

"I find it interesting that networks would oblige their stars by supporting a single sectarian effort," Rick Ross of Cultnews.com tells The Scoop. "What about the Catholics and Jews? Why is Scientology so special?"

Charity organizer Tracee Falkow tells The Scoop no corporations have had any problem with such issues. "We've made our purpose very clear, and so far, so good," she says.