The Quitman Proud Blue Band has not only lived through the COVID-19 protocols, but they have been going through a nightmare since their band trip was canceled last spring. 

What was supposed to be a fun trip to Colorado got axed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but that was not the end of the story.

The Quitman Band Boosters have been trying to get their money back which they paid to the travel company, Troubadour Consultants.

Apparently the final payment of $15,640 was never received by the company and was taken by a hacker.

The final payment had been sent to the location which the band boosters had been using all year for any and all correspondence to the travel company. 

In a letter to parents and students, former band booster president Ashley Day stated, ”We immediately took action. We have been diligently seeking legal advice and law enforcement expertise. We filed a police report immediately after discovering the fraudulent activity, but unfortunately at this time recovery of the funds do not seem likely, according to police. We are working closely with the school district and their legal advisors as to any recourse we may have, but as a booster organization the school’s hands are tied in what they are able to assist with.”

The organization continues to seek restitution of the funds and will continue to exhaust all avenues.

Day said, “The Quitman Band Booster Board prides itself in putting our students and organization at the top of the list and we strive to do any and everything we can to make their experience a successful one while supporting the growth of these young musicians. Please know that our number one priority is to put money back in your hands. We will immediately refund our senior students their funds from our bank account and are in the process of finding ways to refund our underclassmen as well, although it will not be a quick process. We are hoping to have all funds back in your hands by the end of September.”

Day continued to reach out to parents and students.

“We are aware that this a tragedy, and we ask that you join with us to make this horrible injustice right,” she said. “If you have any thoughts on fundraising, we want to hear them. The Quitman Band Booster Club will make this right despite the huge mountain it seems we are facing.

“Our main regret is for our students and the fact that this outrageous and malicious act has stolen directly from them! We will regroup, we will find a solution and we will come out stronger because we are the Proud Blue Band and will not let the evil in this world defeat us.”

Day said that about half of the students have now gotten their money back and the group expects to have all the money returned very soon.

For donations and information, contact Day at Quitman Elementary School at 903-763-5000 ext. 1.