Church Youth Group Fundraising on Hold, Flock of Flamingos Stolen

Pink flamingos have become a welcome surprise for Conway's St. Joseph Catholic Church parishioners.

"They always talk about how they love it and they're sad to see them go," said Tessie Guillroy.

That's because getting "flocked" in Faulkner County is for a good cause.

"It was a big campaign for February, and now we're stuck looking for other resources," said Father James Melnick.

A youth group at the church was trying to raise $10,000 by March 15th for a mission trip to Brazil this summer. They decided to raise funds using the "flock" approach. That's placing a group of plastic pink flamingos in front of homes and businesses, who can then pay to have their friends hit by the flamingos as well.

But all of that came to a stop last week, when one group member's father sent her a confused text message.

"He told me that he got a sign at the store that said he had been flocked but there are no flamingos," said group member Holly Hambuchen.

The group's "super flock" of 60 flamingos was worth more than $200. It was stolen from the storefront and hasn't been seen since, putting a stop to fundraising for the mission trip.

"It's going to take us longer to raise the money," Guillroy said. "We just think about all the money we could be earning with those 60 extra."

The group isn't sure why someone would steal the flamingos, unless for a practical joke. And if that's the case. No one's laughing at this punch line.

"It's a little frustrating that I had a friend who wanted a super flock which is 60 flamingos. We had to deny that request and just do the large flock, which raises less money," Hambuchen said.

"I wish they would have put them in someone else's yard to keep the prank going, that would have been funny," said Father Melnick. "But at this point they've just stolen them. C'mon, get a life. If you're kidnapping 60 flamingos, use them. At least use them, then it's a funny thing."

The goal of reaching ten thousand dollars by March 15th is now looking slim.

"We're continuing it but we could really use those 60 we lost," Guillory said.

The group has filed a police report, but is hoping the flamingos will simply show back up. No harm, no fowl, you might say.

"We're offering immunity for the person who took them," Father Melnick said. "They can just put them in the front lawn of the church. We'll pick them up. No problem."

To donate to the group to help out you can mail a donation to the address below:

St. Joseph Catholic Church/ World Youth Day
1115 College Ave
Conway AR 72032

To schedule a flocking for yourself or a friend, call Tessie Guillory at 501-944-0121.

Source: http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=636962

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