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"A local nonprofit that supports soldiers and their families is still waiting for $40,000 worth of donations collected by the Meat House at a large charity event on the Seacoast last summer.The news comes as four of the state\u2019s six Meat House locations have suddenly shut their doors. \u00A0The closures are temporary according to company executives, despite questions about the company's finances. On Tuesday, the state labor department told News 9 it would be reviewing the company\u2019s financial records after two complaints of paychecks bouncing. And News 9 first reported on Monday that investors have filed suit against Meat House alleging that they haven\u2019t been paid.The charity event, hosted by the Meat House in July, was billed as New England\u2019s largest military appreciation event of the year. Thousands of people bought $15 tickets to the 10th annual \u201COperation: Thank You,\u201D at the Redhook Brewery but more than six months later none of the money raised at the event has been turned over to Chaplain\u2019s Emergency Relief Fund, according to Chaplain Steven Veinotte,\u00A0the fund\u2019s director.Veinotte said they provide emergency financial assistance to military members who live in New Hampshire. They serve more than 100 families every year, raising anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000 in donations.He said a Meat House executive is part of the informal advisory committee for the nonprofit agency that administers the fund. They last spoke about the money in December but there were no concerns that the money wouldn\u2019t be transferred because of a long-standing relationship between the Meat House and the charity.\u201CThere has been no reason for concern because we\u2019ve worked with the Meat House for many years and we\u2019re very appreciative of their help,\u201D\u00A0Veinotte said.When contacted by News 9,\u00A0Veinotte said he didn\u2019t know how soon a check was cut after the Operation Thank You events in previous years.\"We usually see it by now,\" he said. \"They've been doing this for many years. They haven't said why the money hasn't come in yet. We trust them for it.\"He said he plans to discuss the issue with the charity\u2019s board of directors.Two stores in New Hampshire remain open \u2013 a store in Amherst, which is owned by a franchisee, and another store in Dover. Other stores have closed their doors, placing signs outside that said they\u2019re closed for remodeling. Company officials said the closures have nothing to do with financial issues or the lawsuit from investors. The company told state officials that they hoped to re-open in a few weeks with new investors.\u00A0The Meat House did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.Redhook was also involved in the event, but did not collect any money. A Redhook spokesperson said they donated the space and beer for the event, and hope all of the money reaches the Chaplain's Emergency Relief Fund soon.\u00A0For information about the fund, you can visit:\u00A0http://www.army.mil/community/state/NH.html"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wmur.com/article/40k-in-donations-for-soldiers-in-limbo-remain-unpaid-by-meat-house/5188039>