I sent the following note only to the
McLean Orchestra officials, although now I wish I'd thought to also CC
Wayne and his minions. I still haven't received a response from
anyone. I can only assume it's because, although they were
embarrassed to have witnessed Wade West's offensive behavior, they had
also been dependent on his organization
to raise money for them.
I did hear from another Trustee to
whom I'd been sending copies of our correspondence that they had
received a check from the live auction "for the full amount."
He had earlier confided that, after seeing the results of the
McLean Orchestra auction, he was considering engaging Wade's organization
as a fundraiser for his Rotary Club.
That Trustee was the one whom we'd been bidding against and who
was later approached and purchased the trip for the same price.
Before doing anything else, he called and talked to Samantha who
said she'd work with him in choosing dates, arranging upgrades,
booking excursions, etc., and they'd even allow it be extended for
another year if he couldn't make it this year. He didn't get
around to mailing in anything, because he later sold it to a
friend, whom he didn't wish me to contact.
When I asked him if Samantha had known he was a Trustee, or even
was connected with the Orchestra, he didn't recall, but obviously
that could have made a big difference.
In any case, I'm convinced we weren't dealing with an actual travel agency.
As I stated, they're totally unlike any we've used in the past. Based on
what we discovered, I wouldn't be surprised if they just mainly deal with
packaged tours others have set up, although they may be able to coordinate things
such as upgrades and excursions – which of course any individual could
do on their own with Virgin Vacations –
and simple things like arranging flights
to connect with package gateways.
Of course we didn't have any choice once we won the bid. Our usual travel agent
is one that was highly recommended in Condé Nast traveler magazine. He only
accepts new clients that are recommended by current clients or who found him
through Condé Nast. In case you might be interested, his website is
http://www.traveltruth.com.
Jack
We have indeed received a copy of the refund credit slip from
Mr. West, although, as we've come to expect, lacking the
promised "accounting of all transactions regarding (our)
purchase."
We're sorry that he seems to have taken our requests for
information so personally. It is clear that he is unaccustomed
to have anyone question his views, but we were surprised at the
intensity of his continuing, even escalating, series of
intemperate outbursts.
In any case, having received no accounting of the outlays, we
want to be certain that the McLean Orchestra does not suffer
from our misfortune.
Let us know the amount you have received and whether this is
what was anticipated.
Regards,
Jack & Betty Lou Ludwick