Man Accused of Pocketing Cash From Autism Awareness Fundraiser in East Haven: Report

EAST HAVEN, CT — The man behind a fundraising event, which was designed to raise money for Autism awareness, is accused of pocketing the money, according to a report from Fox 61. The event was held on April 22 and it was called Wrestling for Autism.

Nearly $7,000 was raised and a significant amount of the money was supposed to go to Autism Services and Resources in Connecticut but a check for $1,800 bounced, Fox 61 reports, and many wrestlers didn't get paid. None of the money raised ended up going toward autism awareness, according to the report.

Instructors at Paradise Alley Professional Wrestling, PAPW, say they were duped and police are investigating, Fox 61 reports. One of the wrestlers has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for autism awareness. Almost $1,000 has been raised thus far and another wrestling event is scheduled for June. (To sign up for East Haven breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

The GoFundMe page states:

On April 22nd, 2017 the independent professional wrestling came together for (what we all thought) was a fantastic cause. Wrestling for Autism took place in East Haven, CT. Over 450 fans came out. Tons of very talented wrestlers donated their body and talents to this cause.

Paradise Alley Professional Wrestling opened their home and helped push the show, again, trying to help such a good cause. The night was great......until the check written for the charity was bouned. The promoter (who, mind you, has an autistic daughter) suddenly wasn't heard from again.

The money was gone. ... This is obviously a very vile situation. The Professional Wrestling world is one of the greatest communities in the world...The folks at PAPW also want to right this horrible wrong.

They are running a LEGIT autism awareness show on June 24th in East Haven, CT. For those who cannot make the event, I have made this page hoping to AT LEAST triple the donation that (the accused) ran off with. Help PAPW and myself show the ASRC and the world that we, the pro wrestling community are not only better than this, but capable of making a huge, positive impact on the world. The check (the accused) wrote was for $1,800. Lets get the ASRC $6,000 before the show even happens. Thank you all.

Help spread the word!

See the GoFundMe page here.

Read the full Fox 61 story here.

Written by Brian McCready (Patch National Staff)

(Editor's Note: This story first ran previously but here it is again in case you missed it.)