Cash-stuffed envelope remains a mystery

Bernadine Kudia finally received her promised $600 refund -- and an apology for the delay -- from Joseph Painting Service. (Scott Strazzante, Chicago Tribune / January 11, 2011)

 

The lack of a conclusion is not for lack of effort.

After Shannon Dowdle found the envelope on a Skokie sidewalk Dec. 21, she and her Glenview family made it their mission to find the rightful owners.

The family has visited police, mall security and several stores near where the money was found. Their only clue about the owners came from a manager at a nearby Ulta store, who said an elderly couple came in Dec. 23 to ask if anyone found the envelope.

The manager said the couple would not give their names.

In the wake of Thursday's column, the Dowdles appeared on several television stations, and their story has been retold on various radio shows.

The Problem Solver has received about a half-dozen e-mails and calls from readers hoping the money was theirs. None of the inquiries panned out.

On Friday, Richard Dowdle contacted a spokesman for the bank whose logo is on the envelope. Since then, the bank has run several computer programs trying to match the money to people who withdrew similar amounts of cash.

The bank found two possible matches, but one has already been ruled out. The bank is still waiting to hear back from the second couple.

The Dowdle family remains optimistic the elderly couple will turn up. Rick Dowdle said it's possible the couple was from out of town or has since left town for the winter. Either way, he's hoping word will eventually reach them.

If it doesn't, the family is prepared to donate the money to charity.

Even if the couple surfaces after the donation is made, the Dowdles will return the cash.

"I'd go replace it," Rick Dowdle said. "I donate money to charity anyway."

The Problem Solver will continue to provide updates as warranted.

If the money is yours, or you know who lost it, call the Tribune's city desk at 312-222-3650.

The Problem Solver knows the exact amount that was lost, the denominations of the bills and the name of the bank on the envelope, so please do not respond unless the money is truly yours.

 

LINK TO ORIGINAL STORY:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/problemsolver/ct-biz-0106-problem-dowdle-20110106,0,3598638.column