Hundreds of dollars worth of mums stolen from Fairdale High School fundraiser

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Fairdale High School band and choir students are trying to stay positive after school leaders said someone recently stole dozens of mums meant to be used for a fall fundraiser.

Fairdale Assistant Principal Chris Johnstone said the morning of Sept. 21, the band and choir teachers let him know more than 60 mums were missing from behind the music building.

Johnstone said JCPS Security was quickly called, and after looking at footage from the cameras, the school has shared four pictures on its Facebook page of a truck believed to be used to haul off the plants.

"We're not worried about getting the guy as much, we were hoping to get our mums back is really what we were hoping," said Johnstone. "The band, the choir, it's about 100 kids and it's constant fundraising."

He said the band and choir sell mums as one of their big fall fundraisers. He said the mums that were taken had already been paid for and now will need to be replaced. He said it's at least $600 worth of mums.

Johnstone thanked the community for their support, and said this situation has shown the students and staff how much they are appreciated. He said several people have said 'don't worry about it' and still donated the money.

"One thing about working at Fairdale, I can say, the Fairdale community is very supportive of the school," he said.

Johnstone explained the fundraisers help cover the cost of expenses like trips and uniforms. He said despite the setback, the attitude from students has focused on staying positive.

"It's crazy how its flipped to a positive thing almost," he said. "Yes, they still have to replace the mums, but they felt some appreciation and some love and that's been one of the true things. I think they're past the 'wanting to get the guy' or whoever took it, and just move on and learn a lesson from it because they've got great leaders out there in our music program that lead these guys. It's a lot more than teaching music, so they've rebounded, they're charging ahead, trying to stay positive."

Johnstone said the students will have another fundraiser per usual in the winter.

The school has created a web link for donations. To donate, click here.