Promoters Stealing Money from a Benefit Show?

ReverseFender94 · #1 10-09-2011, 07:25 AM

Boycott Backline Productions | Facebook

This "company" ran a benefit show in July of 2011 for Anthony Rizzo, a teenager who was tragically killed in a car accident in June of 2010. They clearly stated on the internet and at the show that all proceeds would be going to Anthony's family to cover his medical expenses and to set up a scholarship in his name, but over four months later, the money is nowhere to be found. The owner of the production company claims they haven't had the chance to turn the money over yet, and it is sitting in his father's bank account.

Does this aggravate anyone else? Is that one of the most ridiculous things you've ever heard?

I know the TB community is strong, and we could really raise some attention about this. Please like and support this cause. Anthony really deserves better than this.

Also, have any of you ever dealt with a situation like this? If you could share your stories and the final outcome it would be greatly appreciated.

RIP Anthony Rizzo, 12/26/93-06/19/2010

Cirk · #2 10-09-2011, 07:33 AM

Sounds like it's time to contact the police and get an investigation started. Sounds like embezzlement from here.

ReverseFender94 · #3 10-09-2011, 07:33 AM

We're giving him one week to turn the money over. If he doesn't, the police will be notified.

kjpollo · #4 10-09-2011, 07:43 AM

+1 to what Cirk says.
I'd love to know how much cash is sitting there, how much interest its earning and who's keeping the interest.

Another questionable thing- why is the money sitting in the "promoter's" DADs account???? If they were really serious about this, they should have set up a separate account so there is no mixing of money. Any reputable production company should have a decent accouting system set up to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

At best, this is some uneducated young kid who thinks he knows something about the business world when he really doesnt.
At worst, you're dealing with a truly dishonest and disreputable person who has ZERO intentions of ever turning over the money.

I hate to say it but-the authorities need to be contacted.
Also- this happened in Staten Island?? Try contacting the New York Post- they LOVE putting sleazeballs on the front page!!!

pica · #5 10-09-2011, 07:49 AM

These kind of stories make me want to punch someone...it's just pathetic. I wouldn't even give him the week, it's been 4 months. Tell him you want the interest too the moneys been getting. Time to get the police involved.

GypsyMan · #6 10-09-2011, 07:51 AM

Yeah as others have said,

That's illegal. Contact the authorities.

ReverseFender94 · #7 10-09-2011, 09:09 AM

Thanks for all the replies. The "promoter" is in fact a moronic teenager, who knows nothing of the reality of owning a business. He took it upon himself to organize this show, as he was a friend of the boy who was killed. The fact that he was a close friend of this kid makes it even worse. He says he's going to cooperate by the end of the week, but if he doesn't, the authorities will be informed.

ReverseFender94 · #8 10-09-2011, 09:10 AM

And yes, it was on Staten Island. If the police are called, so will the Post.

OPBASSMAN1994 · #9 10-09-2011, 09:17 AM

That's total crap. if he's really a friend of the guy who died, then the money would be THERE already!

ReverseFender94 · #10 10-09-2011, 09:23 AM

AND he tried to do the same thing last year, at the first annual memorial show. After three months, he had the money sitting in an envelope at his house. The members of the bands that played the show went to his house and took the money and delivered it. I guess he realized we'd do that, and put it in the bank.

punkinfantry · #11 10-09-2011, 09:25 AM

key words here: "in his father's bank account"

don't give him a week, call the Post, and pray that it hasn't already been spent (it probably has).

ReverseFender94 · #12 10-09-2011, 09:46 AM

I'd rather sort this out without getting the law involved, if at all possible. I'm giving him the week because we found out about this only yesterday. He says he's going to cooperate, so I'm giving him time to do so.

Muzoid · #13 10-09-2011, 10:08 AM

I wouldn't hesitate to just go ahead with calling the police....call the media too.

People will then see him for what he is.

...and chances of him doing it again....are NIL.

duff beer · #14 10-09-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjpollo

Another questionable thing- why is the money sitting in the "promoter's" DADs account????

Either the kid doesn't have a bank account of his own, or if he does, any money deposited would probably be garnisheed. Someone who pulls a stunt like this likely has a long list of creditors looking to collect.

ReverseFender94 · #15 10-09-2011, 11:15 AM

Has anyone else ever dealt with a situation like this? I'm only 17 and I'm starting to think I'm in a bit too far over my head.

Muzoid · #16 10-09-2011, 11:23 AM

Seriously...don't deal with it anymore...let the authorities.

Abusing a "charity" or even passing yourself off as a charity without a proper licence is highly illegal.

Chances are the kid has already committed an offence....and he needs to be dealt with the proper way.

It's simple math.

Intake - Expenses = Donation

It doesn't take 4 months to do that math question...something cannot be right, and it's already giving you a headache.

Let the authorities do what they're paid to do....they will find out everything that went on, and deal with the kid for whatever the dig up.

Munjibunga · #17 10-09-2011, 12:25 PM

Talk to the kid's dad and let him know what's up. Be sure to tell him you're ready to involve the police and the Post. It only takes five minutes to write a check. I'll bet his dad would be thrilled to write a check to avoid having his family's name in the Post. Shorten your week to a day.

ReverseFender94 · #18 10-09-2011, 12:28 PM

The father is siding with his son. The kid is citing "family issues" as his excuse for not giving the money, and he's saying he forgot about it. The father is of little help.

Muzoid · #19 10-09-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReverseFender94

The father is siding with his son. The kid is citing "family issues" as his excuse for not giving the money, and he's saying he forgot about it. The father is of little help.

That right there gives you all the firepower you need to go right to the authorities.

Family Issues?....huh?...Forgot?....huh?

Well, he has now been reminded....now where's the freakin money????....takes 5 seconds to write a cheque.

That's abuse of Charitable Monies, and may result in jail time for both Dad and Son.

That!....will give them some family issues for sure - haha

Muzoid · #20 10-09-2011, 12:42 PM

On a further note....

A professional Auditor should be brought in....something's run amuk, and we all smell a rat.

Who's to say the kid doesn't turn around and say..."I only raised $10, so here ya go"

The books need to be opened on this "Event"...and the only ones who can properly do that is the authorities.

Make the call.