New spokesperson speaks

Re: Main Blog ~ Mon. Nov. 17th, #2

Post by oviedo45 Today at 8:00 pm
Anthonys' new spokeswoman says family will speak this week

Sara K. Clarke | Sentinel Staff Writer
November 17, 2008

A spokeswoman for a missing-children network said she will work on behalf of the family of missing 3-year-old Caylee Marie Anthony after allegations last week that their former representative was cashing in on the media firestorm ignited by the child's disappearance.

Michelle Bart, who has been representing the Kid Finders Network in the case of the missing girl, said she was asked by the group to work on behalf of the Anthony family as well.

"As time went on, things started unraveling with the circumstances of their previous spokesperson," said Bart, who runs Helping Heroes Inc., a Vancouver, Wash.-based public-relations company that works with nonprofit organizations.

Last week, the Anthony family's attorney, Mark NeJame, accused former family spokesman Larry Garrison of hiding a $6,500 payment from NBC for providing photos of Caylee.
NeJame said the Anthonys fired Garrison. The former spokesman said he resigned because of the family's erratic behavior.

Bart has already announced a news conference for this week, something she says "should have been done weeks ago."

She said the meeting will include Caylee's grandparents, Cindy and George Anthony; NeJame; the Kid Finders Network; and a private investigator who has been working on the case. Bart said they will discuss tips and findings in recent weeks that have led the Anthonys to think their granddaughter is still alive. Police have said they think the girl is dead.

"Hopefully, by the end of the week the public will understand why we've been searching for Caylee Marie," Bart said. "We truly believe that Caylee Marie is alive."

Calls to NeJame and the Anthony family were not returned.

Caylee, who was last seen in June, was reported missing in mid-July. Authorities have charged her mother, Casey Anthony, in her death.

Bart said she won't discuss the legal case against Casey, but reporters can ask "anything that needs to be asked" regarding the search for Caylee.

She said the Anthonys will have little to say after the news conference unless there are new developments. Bart said she doesn't think they need to be available for comment on a daily basis.

Though the news media has been helpful in keeping the public eye on Caylee's case, she said every interview is "time that we could put efforts elsewhere."

"Caylee needs to come home, one way or another," Bart said.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-caseyspoke1708nov17,0,5583538.story

and to call or email sara
skclarke@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5664.

let's add her to our list!