There is a growing ripple effect from the foreclosure underway for banquet hall La Renaissance in East Windsor.
Several school districts may be left in the lurch after putting down hundreds of dollars in deposits for some of their most important events, NBC Connecticut has learned.
"For our kids it means graduation will be at another site,” said East Windsor High School principal Ted Keleher.
Keleher said school officials felt they had no choice but to rebook graduation somewhere else.
Organizers of Enfield High School's junior prom are still scrambling to reschedule the event at another venue.
"I think it's a shame because the kids enjoyed having graduation at that facility,” said Keleher.
We spoke with numerous people who said they’re at a loss after planning events that now look like they won’t happen. All said they can’t get any answers from the owners. But after a report on NBC Connecticut Wednesday, other facilities are stepping in ready to help.
"Our packages are a little different than La Renaissance so we're going to work our best to reduce our package price to fit them in,” said Phillip Chabot of Farmington Gardens.
Chabot said after seeing the story, they are already working to make time and space for brides affected by the closure of La Renaissance.
"We wanted to help out as best we could,” said Chabot.
Aria Wedding and Banquet Facility in Prospect said it wants to help anyone affect by La Renaissance's foreclosure problems too. They are among a handful of halls hoping to lend a hand.
"It means the world to me. I really appreciate it,” said bride-to-be Maria Pappa.
NBC Connecticut first told you Maria’s story Wednesday night. She said La Renaissance accepted her deposits without telling her they were in foreclosure. After putting down $4,000, she is now frantic to find a new venue for her July wedding reception. Maria said she is touched by the outpouring of support.
“I thank Channel 30 for taking my story and letting everyone know what's going on,” said Maria.
The Attorney General's Office says it continues to look into the issue. After our story first aired, the office fielded a dozen more complaints from La Renaissance clients.
The owners of La Renaissance referred us to their attorney, who still has not returned any of our calls.
Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut