Christian Group Cancels Event Featuring 'Duck Dynasty' Star Over the Robertsons' Latest Business Venture

A Christian organization for at-risk youth in Tennessee has canceled a fundraiser event with "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson after learning that one of America's most famous families is getting into the wine business.

The Robertsons are set to begin selling "Duck Commander Wines" next month. Free Will Baptist Family Ministries in Greeneville., Tenn., said there was an inherent conflict between having Robertson appear and the organization's mission of helping adolescents.

Willie Robertson and Korie Robertson attend the 61st annual BMI Country Awards, Nov. 5, 2013 in Nashville, Tenn. (Getty Images for BMI/Michael Loccisano)

The organization told Fox News it harbors no ill feelings toward the "Duck Dynasty" clan, and is just worried about sending mixed messages.

"Our greatest responsibility is to the young people we serve," development director Derek Bell said on the group's Facebook page. "Therefore, we feel that in light of the recent news that the stars of the show 'Duck Dynasty' are partnering with Trinchero Family Estates to launch Duck Commander Wines, to continue with this event would send mixed messages to the young people who go through our Adolescent Drug and Alcohol program."

The organization said half of the adolescents it works with go through a drug and alcohol program. A mostly teenage crowd was expected to turn out for the event, Fox reported.

"Our message must be consistent. The lives of those children may well hang in the balance," Bell said.

The group apologized to anyone who had already purchased tickets for the April event; the venue, Viking Hall Civic Center, is currently offering refunds.

The event was to raise funds for the ministry's "School Expansion Project" -- a 10,000-square-foot expansion effort to help increase the organization's ability to serve young people.

(H/T: Fox News)

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