AWM Student Tanzania Trip - Bank Fraud Fundraiser

Dear West Michigan Community,

We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts. Our travel group, comprised of student adventurers from the West Michigan area, has been eagerly preparing for the trip of a lifetime – an educational expedition to Tanzania in June. However, we have experienced a set-back. In October, our bank account was hacked. In the blink of an eye, a substantial portion of the funds we had saved for our trip was drained from our account due to fraudulent activity. Due to the nature of the transaction (ACH) and the type of account (business), our options were limited. We have worked with the bank, the GRPD, and lawyers to try to recover the money. Due to the banking laws working against us (24 hours to report fraud), we have exhausted all of our options and have no other recourse.

Despite this setback, we refuse to let this stand in our way. We are determined to make our Tanzania adventure a reality, and we humbly ask for your support in reclaiming some of what was taken.

Your generous contributions will not only help us recoup some of the lost funds but will also provide us with the means to continue our preparations for the trip. Every dollar donated brings us one step closer to our goal and allows us to focus on the excitement and anticipation of the journey ahead.

We understand that times are tough for many, and any amount you can spare will be deeply appreciated. Whether it's the cost of a Starbucks or a more substantial donation, your support will make a world of difference to us. Even if half of our friends and family could donate 5, 10, or 20 dollars, it could add up fast through the power of many.

We are immensely grateful for the sense of community that binds us together here in West Michigan. In times of need, we know we can count on each other to lend a helping hand. With your help, we can turn this unfortunate situation into an educational trip of a lifetime.

Thank you for considering and for your support.