To the Editor:

For the past several months, the East Coast Marketing Group (ECMG) has been fundraising on behalf of the Merrimack Police Department’s New England Police Benevolent Association Local 12.

Donations are used to support various programs and charities throughout the year.

As a token of our appreciation, contributors were given tickets to a comedy show that was supposed to be hosted at the Alpine Grove Banquet Facility in Hollis on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Unfortunately, ECMG contacted members of the NEPBA Local 12 just two days before the event and notified us of a scheduling conflict. They did not provide us with any more of an explanation.

Representatives from ECMG said they would be calling donors and issuing a press release in regard to the conflict and a rescheduling of the show. However, the NEPBA Local 12 received word after the fact that a significant number of donors did NOT receive notification and were shocked to learn the show had been canceled when they arrived at Alpine Grove. This is a great disappointment when moments earlier they were expecting a night of laughter and relaxation.

The NEPBA Local 12 recognizes that money has been tight for many families for several years, especially during the holiday season, and that scheduling time with friends and family during the holidays can be stressful. We feel terrible about the lack of notification issued by ECMG and any added/unnecessary stress this may have caused. The NEPBA Local 12 is committed to resolving the situation and holding those responsible accountable.

If you are one of the generous donors who were affected by this untimely cancellation, please email me with your information so that it can be documented and forward to ECMG. My email address is scassell@merrimacknh.gov.

My sincere apologies.

Sean Cassell
President
Merrimack Police Union NEPBA Local 12