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#TEAM RAVEN/ROAD TO RIO

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Hello.  My name is Tonetta Watson-Coleman.  I am affectionately known as Pep.  Raven Saunders is my niece and recently earned a spot on the US Track and Field team as a shot putter.  I've created this Go Fund Me Campaign to assist me, Raven's mother, Clarissa (Von) Saunders and her 13 year old sister in being able to go to Rio to support and cheer Raven on in person.  

The donations will be used for travel expenses to Rio, hotel accommodations, food, transportation to the venues while in Rio, event tickets and incidentals associated with international travel.

Raven's mother is a single parent and has been her biggest supporter. She has provided unconditional love, support and encouragement throughout Raven's life and sacrificed to ensure she had what she needed to succeed. I was the primary caretaker for my mother during her extended illness and sacrified my salary and benefits to be available to her.

Against all odds Raven demolished all barriers and has become a shot put phenom.  The lack of the proper facilities at her high school did not deter her.  She began throwing in the parking lot and park across from her school.  Coach Johnson pushed her to excel and Raven put in the work.  Awesome neighbors witnessed her determination and allowed her to use their facilities to work out.  A change in technique proved to be the spark that was needed to propel her to new heights.   Records began to fall.  Her hard work and determination earned her a full scholarship to Southern Illinois where she continued to set and shatter school, conference and NCAA records.  Her coaches accepted jobs at Ole Miss and Raven decided to remain under their guidance.  Her growth in the shot put continued.  She remains atop the NCAA indoor and outdoor shot put records.  Raven not only excels in her craft, but also in the classroom.

Thursday, July 7, 2016 was a historical day for Raven and all of her supporters.  Another goal and milestone was reached when she made the Olympic team.  We could not be more proud of her.  It is our desire to be front and center in the stands in Rio cheering her on to GOLD!  How awesome it would be for her to see familiar faces in the crowd.   

We are so proud and overjoyed that Raven has achieved this phenomenal feat.  It is a once in a lifetime accomplishment that few are able to realize.  Being able to travel to Rio to cheer Raven on in person means the world to us.  No words are adequate to fully describe our emotions.  We are overjoyed.

All donations are greatly appreciated.  We are thankful for all who are and those who will become a part of the village that loves and supports Raven.
#teamraven
#roadtorio
#dreamsdocometrue

Donations 

  • Stacey White
    • $75 
    • 8 yrs

Organizer

Tonetta Watson-Coleman
Organizer
Charleston, SC

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