Fundraising is officially over! Carmen acquired $6,654 in donations using GoGetFunding, plus the $1,670 (this number might actually be higher today than it was when I talked to her on Thursday) in cash and personal checks she has received in the mail. That puts the total amount given over the past month at a whopping $,8,324! GoGetFunding/PayPal will take a maximum of 3% (minimum 1.5%) from donations earned through the site, which is $199.62, making the actual total to be received: $8,124.38!

 

Now, when I was originally creating the fundraiser, we had to do some brainstorming for rewards to give to backers. We needed the rewards to be as cost-effective as possible at price points that would encourage donations, yet make it non-detrimental for us to provide rewards. We also needed them to be lightweight and small, lowering the potential cost of postage. During the fundraiser, I also purchased a Groupon for $17 which allows us to create $70 of customized goods from VistaPrint. This helped make rewards more affordable!

 

Carmen is very excited to disperse the rewards to our backers and show how much we appreciate your generosity. As soon as the van is purchased and ready for its photo shoot, we will commence with sending out our symbols of gratitude. If you requested a tee shirt as a reward, you might be hearing from us sooner because we'll need your size! 

 

Onto the van and adaptive equipment. Michigan Rehabilitation Services is a program which assists with the cost of outfitting a van with adaptive equipment. However, this is a once in a lifetime deal. Once Carmen uses their assistance for a vehicle, they will not cover the costs ever again. Because of this, Carmen and her family decided that it would make more sense fiscally to purchase a brand new van rather than the low mileage vehicle I mentioned in a previous update. A new van will last longer and maximize the use of assistance provided by MRS. Also, there is a possibility that the Roth family will still have to pay for all of the adaptive equipment out of pocket. It all depends on how much money MRS still has in their budget at this point. 

 

Carmen recently received quotes on a new van and the cost of adaptive equipment from her good friends at Clock Mobility. For the Dodge Grand Caravan alone: $28,995. For the cost of the equipment: $21,000 to $23,300. That puts the grand total at $49,995-52,295. We are praying that MRS is able to assist greatly with the cost of the adaptive equipment, but in any case, the $8,124 that you have generously provided will be a huge help! If you didn't have a chance to donate and would still like to help, please email me at [email protected] so I can provide Carmen's mailing address for you.

 

This whole fundraiser has been a lesson in the kindness inherent in humanity. We have received thoughts and prayers from close friends, family, friends of a friend of a friend, and even complete strangers. The financial blessing that has been poured on Carmen and her family is completely overwhelming, and it brings tears of gratitude to my eyes as I write this. I hope you understand the depth of emotion that you have engendered in all of us. Thank you so much!

-Jordan Freeman