Thea Murray Support Fund

Dear Family,

We are asking for your support for Thea Murray, widow of Tom Murray. “Uncle Tom” was the oldest brother of our 11 Murray siblings.

 Here is the situation:

Uncle Paul, Uncle Jim, and Aunt Margot have been supporting Thea since Uncle Tom’s death. The total amount we have been contributing is $24,000 a year, with each of us picking up a one-third portion of $8,000 per year. With Paul and Jim also gone, and their estates settled, an ongoing mechanism no longer exists to handle their share.

Aunt Margot has been left with a shortfall of $16,000 a year. This is the reason for our campaign. 

 As many of you know, the Murray siblings have always believed in supporting each other if at all possible and have done so on many an occasion. This strong faith in charity was passed down from our parents and onto the next generations.

 We have set up a GoFundMe campaign where people who would like to contribute may easily do so. I plan to continue my portion of $8,000 indefinitely. But we are hoping to raise the rest. We have set a goal of $36,000 to cover the next two years.

 Whether it’s $5 or $500, we are hoping you will do a little bit to help Thea.

I know many of you may have questions. Feel free to reach out to Aunt Margot by phone or email.

Here are some answers below:

·         Who is Thea? Where does she live? How old is she?

 Aunt Thea is 78 years old, in fine health, and living in Littleton, Colorado. 
 
·         How did this happen?

As many of you may know, Uncle Tom never really held down a job and was not financially self-sufficient. He himself was supported by family. Sadly, Thea was never fully aware of their financial situation, and Uncle Tom left her with the impression that all would be handled after his death. She realized the unfortunate reality after he was gone.

 ·         What about the children?

Several of Uncle Tom’s children are dead. The rest of them have been estranged from him for decades and are not in contact with Thea.

 ·         What is Thea’s financial situation?

 Thea has a tiny bit of social security. Other than that, the $2,000 a month she receives from Margot/Paul/Jim is what she lives on.

 ·         What is Thea’s perspective on all this? What does she say?

 I am in regular contact with Thea. As you can imagine, she is very afraid. But she is also immeasurably grateful for the family’s generosity.

 ·         How will the finances be handled?

 The plan is to set up a trust, and that is happening in parallel with this effort. Since time is a factor, with shortfalls happening as soon as July, we are starting to fund-raise now. I will continue serve as the financial “gatekeeper,” as I did for many years when Jim and Paul were alive. I will receiving any donated funds, and send Thea the regular monthly check of $2,000. I will remain in touch with her to monitor the situation.

 ·         How will all of us who contribute know what’s going on?

 I, and also Thea, plan to write to supporting family members regularly to thank them and give them updates.

 ·         What about the future?

 Good question! Of course we’re all concerned about the future. For the moment, we are hoping to take care of the next two years, and make future plans as necessary.