What a Fundraiser! Whataburger Supports Southaven High School Band
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A local community is rallying together to support the Southaven High School Band after a suspected fraudster stole tens of thousands of dollars that were meant for the group’s needs. The incident has sparked a wave of generosity and efforts to restore what was lost.
A Community Comes Together
The Southaven High School Band has long been an integral part of the school’s culture, providing students with opportunities to develop musical talents and build camaraderie. However, this sense of unity was shaken when former Band Booster treasurer Krystina Thompson, 47, was arrested in August for embezzling nearly $40,000. The stolen funds were intended to cover essential expenses such as uniforms, instrument rentals, transportation, and food for the band members.
This act of betrayal not only disrupted the band’s financial stability but also deeply affected its supporters. Despite the setback, the community has shown resilience and determination to make up for the loss. Two GoFundMe campaigns have already been launched to help replace the missing money, demonstrating the strength of collective support.
Whataburger Steps In
One of the most notable acts of kindness comes from Michael Tshiyoyi, a franchise operator at the Whataburger located at 6829 Getwell Road in Southaven. Tshiyoyi, who once played in a marching band during his youth, was moved by the situation and quickly reached out to the school’s principal to offer assistance.
“I feel happy inside,” Tshiyoyi shared with Action News 5. “It shows how much I care, and I want to shout-out Whataburger for having a program like this.”
Tshiyoyi’s restaurant will be donating 20% of the proceeds from dinner sales on Tuesday, October 21, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., to the Southaven High School Band. This initiative is part of Whataburger’s “What-A-Night” program, which aims to raise money for good causes.
A Personal Connection
Tshiyoyi’s decision to help was influenced by one of his employees, who attends Southaven High School. She informed him about the situation, prompting him to take action. For Tshiyoyi, this act of support is more than just a business gesture—it’s a personal mission.
“I remember the struggle to raise money,” he said. “Even raising up $2,000 or $3,000 took us a lot of effort. We had to stand out in the streets and wash cars, sell chocolates and stuff like that.”
His experience as a former drum major and section leader gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by student musicians. He understands the importance of community support and the value of giving back.
How You Can Help
For those looking to contribute to the cause, dining at Whataburger on Tuesday evening is a simple yet impactful way to support the Southaven Chargers. By enjoying a burger and fries, customers can also help the band overcome their financial hurdles.
The Southaven High School Band continues to inspire through its dedication and passion for music. With the support of the community and businesses like Whataburger, the band is well on its way to recovering from this setback.
“It says how much I care,” Tshiyoyi said, “not just myself, but also the brand that we work for and also the community. It shows how much they care to come into the store and help us raise the funds at a time like this.”
Action News 5 reached out to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office for a progress report on Thompson’s court case. We will update this story when we receive the information.
Click here to sign up for our newsletter!
Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.
- Ilmuwan Berhasil Ubah Golongan Darah Ginjal Manusia dari A ke O - October 30, 2025
- Pemerintah Pertimbangkan Anggaran Negara untuk Pembangunan Pesantren - October 30, 2025
- Kundi menekankan pentingnya memberdayakan pemuda dengan pengetahuan dan keterampilan yang canggih - October 30, 2025
Leave a Reply