Cudahy Burn Camp fundraiser theft, 3 sought
CUDAHY, Wis. - Cudahy police are looking for two women they say stole thousands of dollars from a Cudahy Lions Club Wisconsin Burn Camp and scholarship charity event Sunday, July 23. Police also identified a man as a person of interest in the case, saying he was their driver.
Joe’s K Ranch and the Cudahy Lions Club held the event on Whitnall Avenue just south of Layton Avenue to raise money for Burn Camp, which is for children who have suffered severe, life-altering burns. A portion of the funds were also allocated to fund college scholarships for Cudahy High School graduates.
"It was a great day," said Frank Miller, Lions Club. "Huge support from the community. The inside of the bar, the outside, everything was full of people."
Women, man sought in Cudahy charity event theft (Courtesy: CPD)
The "Sunday Funday" event featured raffles and a car show, raising thousands of dollars.
"It was really a really good day until about 4 o’clock," said Miller.
Cudahy Burn Camp fundraiser theft
During the event, police said the women stole a bank bag containing approximately $5,000 to $6,000 in cash, swiping it from a patio table before walking out of the gate, seemingly oblivious to the fact that surveillance cameras were watching.
"When he walked up to me and said, ‘The money bag’s gone,' I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’" said Larry Burss, Joe’s K Ranch. "It’s deflating. It kind of just irritates you that someone would even be thinking about this type of thing at a fundraiser."
Making matters worse is that the money was meant for kids with burn injuries.
Cudahy Burn Camp fundraiser
"It was something good in the community, and they just ripped that fabric apart," said Miller.
Organizers said they're thankful for all who gave and hopeful they will find those who took from them.
"I don’t know if we’ll ever find the cash, but I’d like to find the people responsible," said Miller.
Cudahy Burn Camp fundraiser
Police described both women as Hispanic with dark hair – one 30-40 years old, the other 20-30 years old. They left in a silver Chevrolet Cruze.
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Anyone with information is asked to call the Cudahy Police Department at 414-769-2260 or email Det. Janelle Luzinski.