Local Charity Not Fully Paid for Work, Needs the Money

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- First Coast No More Homeless Pets is driven by its compassion and its dedication to the community, but now the non-profit is dealing with disappointment.

"We contracted to provide services for somebody, and they wrote us a check and then closed the account on us, " said Rick DuCharme, the agency's executive director.

DuCharme said his volunteers worked for Funkfest Promoter Leo Bennett at the 2008 event. He said Bennett agreed to pay them $5,638.

"When he closed the account, we agreed to lesser payment: $5,000 in installments," DuCharme said, adding, "He has sent us two $500 payments and won't return our calls."

DuCharme said the concert was a washout and the promoter took a loss; that's why they agreed to a $5,000 donation instead of the $5,638 promised.

"It was a rain out but we still had an agreement, plus he told me he had rain insurance," says DuCharme.

Leo Bennett of Variety Entertainment Promotions in North Carolina said he has been trying to resolve this. "I lost $150,000 because the event was rained out and I have asked them to meet me halfway," Bennett said.

He added, "Because the weather was so bad, I had to close some tents and I don't think (they) worked all those hours."

Bennett said he would contact Rick DuCharme and he has. According to DuCharme, Bennett has agreed to overnight $3,500 and pay the remaining $500 in November.

DuCharme says his organization can use the money in this tight economy.

In situations like this where there's a possible breach of an agreement, because it is a civil matter, the only recourse is to file a claim in small claims court.

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