Photo by Shawn Brackbill via Facebook

The D.C.-based house music group Protect-U is still reeling from an unfortunate night in Paris earlier this week, when thieves stole their collection of synthesizers, pedals, laptops and other equipment after the band played a set at a nightclub there.

One of the band’s members, Aaron Leitko, told DCist yesterday that the total value of the stolen gear is likely well over $5,000. But already the band’s friends and fans are helping the duo of Leitko and Mike Petillo get back on their feet, with a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.

And so far, the effort has been quite successful. It started last night with a modest goal of $1,000, and eclipsed that mark in just three hours. As of this writing, the band has raised over $3,300, and is hoping to get as close to $5,000 as possible.