Rutland’s TJ and Kendra Henrickson lost their $ 30,000 wedding deposit last year when Bolton’s International Golf Club & Resort closed and declared bankruptcy.

Finally, more than a year after the club filed Chapter 11 in the U.S. District of Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court in May 2020, the family’s attorney received a check from the club on Tuesday. But it was for only $ 3,025 – only 10% of the deposit.

“We predicted it would be a percentage,” TJ Henrickson said, “but it’s obviously disappointing that it’s only 10%.”

Henrickson said he knew of another couple who also received a check for $ 3,025 but whose deposit was much lower than their family’s. He therefore wondered if $ 3,025 was the maximum that could be received.

Tom Henrickson, TJ’s father, said he knew of two other couples who had $ 15,000 down payments refunded last year, but the club would not be returning their phone calls at that time. When he drove to the club last year, he couldn’t find anyone who could help him.

“I don’t think it’s fair,” said Tom Henrickson. “How do people get all of their deposits back and we only get part of it?”

According to Tom Henrickson, the check the family received was unsigned. He said the family plan to explore other legal remedies with the Weadock family, the club’s former owners, before trying to cash the check.

“I don’t trust them,” said Tom Henrickson.

TJ Henrickson agrees with the father to consider taking other legal avenues.

“Three thousand is a drop in the bucket compared to what we have lost,” said TJ Henrickson. “So why don’t you go? “

A Texan company bought the International in February

Escalante Golf, a Texas company that owns 17 other golf courses, bought the International in February for $ 10 million, some of which will pay the creditors. The International has two 18-hole courses, a hotel, a reception hall and a restaurant.

Tom Henrickson believes his family lost the highest deposit of the many families who booked weddings last year internationally and did not receive a refund.

The Henrickson rehearsal dinner, June 6 wedding ceremony, reception and after party for 320 guests were all scheduled to take place at the International.

In addition, 50 rooms have been reserved at the club hotel for two nights. The family was to pay the club an additional $ 30,000.

“I’m not happy at all,” said Tom Henrickson. “It’s a sin.”

In March 2020, TJ and Kendra sent out invitations to their wedding internationally, and that night they learned from a laid-off employee that the club owners had laid off their employees and shut down the business.

TJ Henrickson said due to the pandemic he feared the wedding would be postponed to a later date, but he didn’t expect to have to find another venue or lose the $ 30,000 deposit.

He said he couldn’t get in touch with anyone at the club before the bankruptcy filing and hadn’t heard much after the deposit until the check arrived.

“It was like it never happened,” he said of the club canceling their wedding ceremony and reception.

TJ and Kendra have postponed their wedding until July 11, 2020 at the Samuel Slater restaurant in Webster.

Only 60 people attended the outdoor ceremony in order to distance themselves socially. Hors d’oeuvres were served instead of a sit-down dinner, but the event still cost an additional $ 15,000.

“There was no dancing,” said Tom Henrickson, “but at least they got married in front of family and friends, but not a lot.”

Kara Henrickson gave birth to their first child, Thomas, on May 11.

“So we are moving forward right away,” TJ said.

Keep in touch with other couples left in the same situation

A few couples and members who lost deposits and dues kept in touch with each other through Facebook. Jeannette Broadard and her husband,

Thomas Graustein recently received his full deposit of $ 2,200, but his check was also unsigned. Graustein therefore had to go to Boston to get him signed.

The Webster couple learned of the club’s closure from a friend who had read a T&G story about it.

Last year, Broadard left messages for several International numbers and cell phone numbers for the club’s wedding officials, and sent emails as well, but received no response.

The couple fled to Wellfleet on July 11, 2020, the day they were to be married internationally.

“We’re so happy it’s finally over,” Broadard said in an email to T&G after depositing the check.

But as the Henricksons will tell you, it’s not over for everyone.

Contact Bill Doyle at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @BillDoyle 15