Many in the community have heard about the theft already, but now there are several things you can do to help them recover from the devastating loss of over $17,000.00. Running any highland games is a major undertaking and is significantly costly in tent rentals, porta-potties, space rental, judges and VIP’s who need lodging, payment and more, so anyone who takes on a project like this needs the support of the community.
If you haven’t heard already, and were at the Tacoma Games, their website has a posting about what you can do, but basically notify your bank of a stolen check, even if it’s cleared already, and have the bank hold it as potential evidence, and finally contact Tacoma Games President Brian Nelson; email on the Tacoma Games website.
If you have any knowledge or information on the theft and who may be involved please contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office at (253) 798-4721 and reference case # 091810279.
The theft is being added to the Pierce County Crime Stoppers program with a reward offered for information leading to an arrest. Click the logo below for more information and anonymous tip lines:
Finally, join the games organization AND come to their fundraiser:
Pipes in the Park
Sunday September 27th at Vassault Park at North 37th and Pearl in Tacoma.
Support buttons will be available for a recommended donation of $10.00 each.
Please help get the word out by printing out the attached poster. Tell your friends about this sad story. No leads have been fruitful yet. For more details about the event, here’s an excerpt from Brian Nelson’s mail to the games membership:
Our 40th annual Highland Games on June 27, 2009 were one of our largest and best attended. It also received our largest admissions take ever. The unfortunate fact is that wonderful gate take was stolen from us at the end of the Games. You may have seen news reports regarding check security for people who wrote checks for admission or camping. We lost over $17,000 in a single theft.
We had followed our usual procedures in handling our cash. It was kept in a nondescript container and locked in a board member’s vehicle for transport to the bank. While that board member finished tasks at the park before returning home, someone entered the vehicle and stole the money along with other items. The police have investigated and our theft was included in the “Crime Stoppers” program by the Pierce County Sheriff’s office. But, as of now, no firm leads or suspects have come to light. Needless to say, we are changing our cash handling and deposit procedures for the future, so there will never again be an opportunity for such a theft.
With your help the Games will go on. We have already reserved Frontier Park in Graham for our 41st annual Highland Games on June 26, 2010. Several very generous donations and pledges of donations have assured the bills from this year are paid, and we have at least minimum cash to begin next year’s Games. Please consider adding your donation to this growing list. It is only with support such as yours that we can continue.
Here’s a a link to the flier advertising the fundraiser>>
Good luck to the Tacoma Games. Please give them your support!
