NEW YORK – GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified campaigns related to last week’s limo accident in Schoharie, which claimed the lives of 20 New Yorkers.
All funding campaigns listed on the page have been verified by GoFundMe to ensure donations are, in fact, going to beneficiaries of the victims.
“New Yorkers are heartbroken by the Schoharie tragedy – and are eager to support the victims’ families as they deal with this unfathomable loss. We’re grateful to GoFundMe for partnering with our office and creating this centralized hub for verified campaigns, so that New Yorkers can rest assured that their donations will indeed support the victims’ families,” said New York State Attorney General Underwood. “I urge New Yorkers to protect themselves by following our charitable giving tips whenever considering a donation.”
“Our hearts go out to everyone who lost a loved one in this horrific crash,” said Daniel Gordon, GoFundMe VP of Trust, Policy and Communications. “GoFundMe guarantees that every dollar donated will be transferred directly to the appropriate person. It’s important to remember that when a GoFundMe is created on behalf of another individual, the funds are only released to the person intended as the beneficiary and the GoFundMe organizer does not have access to the funds. We have reviewed all the related GoFundMe campaigns and are working with all parties to ensure the money goes directly to the victims and surviving family members of this tragedy.”
As of Friday, the site says more than 6,000 donors have pledged more than $353,000 to 12 campaigns for crash victims’ families.
The money is intended for funeral costs, future support and college costs for victims’ young children and other family expenses.