One minute a long time San Francisco Chinatown dance troupe was making a $40,000 donation to a senior citizen program.
The next minute thieves stole an estimated $20,000 worth of costumes, reports ABC7.
The Grant Avenue Follies has been performing nationwide to raise money for charities since the 1950s with their dancing.
They were at the On Lok senior living facility Wednesday presenting the non-profit a big check in support of the program.
When they returned to their car, they realized someone had broken in and taken off with six sets of 12 elaborate costumes.
The group had to scramble to find enough costumes for their free performance for veterans Friday at San Francisco’s Herbst Theater.
“People don’t know what it’s worth and they have to wreck other people’s things to just get at it,” said performer Pat Chinn.
Members of the Grant Avenue Follies are now mostly in their 80’s, but they remain as feisty as ever.
“Don’t do that again! Just be glad I didn’t catch them — because I would have used a sword on them,” laughed Marlene Luke.
Anyone interested in making a donation to help the group replace their costumes can call 415-793-1183.
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