Help Me Howard: Dance
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A local hip hop group was dancing for joy after winning $400 in a competition. But they are letting their fingers do the walking to find Help Me Howard after the contest sponsors didn't pay. Here's 7's Patrick Fraser.
WSVN -- If you like to watch dance groups, take a look at Under Pressure.
Andre Hodge: "The dance group consists of a bunch of guys and a few girls that does booty type music with a little mix-up of hip hop and R&B to it."
And with Andre leading them, Under Pressure has done well performing under pressure.
Andre Hodge: "Ever since I came along, they never lost no dance competition yet."
The competition is tough but the rewards can be great.
Andre Hodge: "The group is going to compete on 106 & Park, and hopefully I can get them on Showtime at the Apollo soon."
And recently they took another step forward at a competition held on the Florida International University campus, winning first place and a $400 prize.
Andre Hodge: "Normally when we compete in a competition, if we win, we get our grand prize right then and there."
The campus organizers told Andre they would call him and have him fill out a claim form.
But instead of giving him the prize, they gave him the run-around.
Andre Hodge: "We contacted the sponsor who did the show at FIU North. They saying: 'Oh, we made a mistake, we thought we sent it to you, we never did, but we're going to send it again.' I'm constantly checking e-mail. Nothing comes in the mail."
The lack of a prize has irritated Andre and frustrated his group.
Andre Hodge: "After trying and trying and having no luck, I know Help Me Howard always does what he can."
But legally can you do anything if someone promises a prize? Let's ask the guy who was not a prize winning law student.
Howard Finkelstein: "Whether you win $10 or a million bucks, under the law, a contest is considered a contract. If a prize is offered, and you comply and meet the conditions, by law they have to deliver the goods."
When Help Me Howard contacted FIU they told us the show was put on as part of the homecoming festivities. They have since sent the form to Andre to fill out, and he is going to get his money.
Howard says when deciding to enter a contest, make sure you know whom you are dealing with.
Howard Finkelstein: "If you enter a contest, make sure you read the fine print and know who is sponsoring the event. With that said, you know who is going to pay and where to complain if they don't."
Andre says the prize is only $400 but that money can help his group win even more competitions.
Andre Hodge: "On the 19th, we're going to Orlando to compete in a big dance competition where the promoter said he wants somebody to come and beat this dance group that's been winning six competitions straight."
A reminder, if you find yourself with a similar situation, contact your own attorney.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
DADE: 305-953-WSVN
BROWARD: 954-761-WSVN
