About six weeks before the celebration, Pierrie's father had a stroke during cancer surgery.
Pierrie, of Fuquay-Varina, and his family thought that when they canceled the event, they would lose the required $200 deposit, but not the remaining $750, since it had not yet been due.
But that was not the case, as Pierrie's sister, Patti Baker, found out.
"(Baker) fully understood that we're under no obligation to give back anything," said Zebulon Civic Centre President Hal Perry.
Perry offered to reschedule the event or refund the money if he rented the room at the privately owned civic center to someone else. But he said he was never able to rent the room.
He also said that the contract stated that full payment was due if there was a cancellation and the room not re-rented.
Perry also said he gave Baker the contract, but admitted that she never signed it. Baker said she never received it.
Either way, Perry told Five On Your Side that he would "split the difference" with Pierrie and his family and refund $375.
Both Pierrie and his family said they have learned from this matter: get it in writing.
"Only provide the monies that you're absolutely required to provide up front," Pierrie said.
Perry said that because of the situation, he may now have customers sign the contract.
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