Thanks to the internet, you can set up a fundraiser for just about anything. At the end of the day, its not money, but people helping other people that makes the world go around. Here are just some of the ways GoFundMe has been helping families find solace and let individuals live out their dream.
For those unaware, GoFundMe is a website that allows you to set a public page up telling your story, why you need money, and then others are allowed to donate to it. Sometimes, other people can set up GoFundMe pages for you without even knowing, adding extra surprise.
Take, for example, Seth Owens. Valedictorian of his class at First Coast High School, this college-bound student was cut off by his parents because he was gay. Unbeknownst to Owens, one of his teachers, Jane Martin, set up a GoFundMe page raising money so he could go to Georgetown University, where he was accepted with a financial aid package based on his parental income.
While his parents were forcing him to conversion therapy, it was by the grace and kindness of others that $70,000 was raised in his name. Owens claimed his parents forced him to conversion therapy camp when he first came out. The initial goal of the GoFundMe page was $20,000, but since mid June, the campaign has well surpassed that.
GoFundMe has so much potential for helping those in need, and can be created for literally anything. Of course, that also means its going to be used for silly and exploitive costs as well. Earlier this month, a GoFundMe page was set up so Kylie Jenner could become the youngest “self-made” billionaire, and one was used to bail the man who destroyed Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star out of jail.
But the positives highly outweigh the negatives. Take a look at just some of the heartwarming stories that have come about thanks to GoFundMe.