CVUSD Leaders Block Release of GoFundMe Money

GoFundMe Money Raised to Help Cover Cost of Stolen Band Instruments on Hold as District Calls it ‘Scam’

THERMAL — Nearly $5,000 raised in a GoFundMe Campaign to help cover the cost of stolen musical instruments ay Coachella Valley Unified School District is being withheld because District leaders have called it an “unauthorized” scam.

In summer, some $25,000 worth of musical instruments were stolen recently from Coachella Valley High School.

To help raise money to replace the stolen instruments, Jeff Gonzalez, who at the time was the Republican Assembly candidate running against Democrat Joey Acuña in District 36, immediately set up a GoFundMe account. Acuña is president of the board. Gonzalez emerged victorious in the Nov. 5 election.

Since it was set up, GoFundMe Campaign has raised just shy of $5,000.

CVUSD officials issued a letter saying it was all a scam. You may read the letter here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1059555876180702&set=pcb.1059556196180670

The District also said the instruments were covered by insurance.

“It will not be released to me because of what the school board did,” Gonzalez told Uken Report. “They said it was fraud, and they called GoFundMe and told them to stop the funds. I no longer have access to nearly $5,000 to give to the students of Coachella Valley high school. I’m very disappointed in their politically motivated attack that has ultimately hurt the students and families of the Coachella Valley Unified School District.”

Brittney Foutty, Customer Success Manager for GoFundMe, has reached out to the CVUSDD principal and band director numerous times to authenticate the fundraiser. They do not return her calls or emails.

Acuña, president of the Board of Trustees, did not return Uken Report’s request for comment,

Following is one email from Foutty to Gonzalez:

“I tried calling Daniel (band director) a couple times and sent him an email on Wednesday but haven’t heard back. Would you be able to ask him to get back to me asap to the email under the subject “Message from GoFundMe – Coachella Valley High School Fundraiser.”

“We’re hoping to hear from him soon, so that we can get the distribution plan for the donations worked out. The district has already asked us to refund the fundraiser, and because we are getting mixed signals – we need to hear from a school rep asap to understand whether or not they would like to receive the donations. 

“We’re still getting reporter inquiries about the fundraiser, so the sooner we hear from Daniel – the better! 

“Thanks for your help, “

So, the legitimate account is frozen. Donations will likely be returned to donors.