College fund for Elijah Dawson

Hi, My name is Richard Dawson. Recently, my wife Mandi passed away from a long fight with breast cancer. For a long while, I tried to come up with something I could do, to honor her. I’m not a huge fan of people spending tons of money on flowers at funerals, and while there are a myriad of fantastic fundraisers and charities across our great country, I didn’t feel like a donation in her name was appropriate either. So what to do?

 

In Mandis short life, nothing on this planet gave her as much joy, nor did she have as much pride in anything, as she did being a mom. Our 8 year old son Elijah, was her pride and joy. She sacrificed a wonderful opportunity to advance her career to great heights, to make sure she could focus on being the best mother possible. She always had time for cuddles, for reading, and playing numerous board games with him over the years. She never hesitated to get down on the floor and play with legos or matchbox cars and in general took to motherhood like a fish to water. Which, is remarkable considering when I first met her, she really had no desire in having children at all. Most of all though, she was adamant that Elijah pursue some form of higher education after high school. She wanted so much for him, and wanted to be able to provide for him, more than maybe either she or I was able to have after school. 

 

So here’s what I’ve come up with. I’m trying to raise $25,000. That is a nice round number, to start a real solid savings account for Elijah, and whatever post high school education he wants to pursue. Moving forward as a single father, and less income than before, this dream I had of having a nice educational savings account for him a long shot at best. And if I can raise the full $25K that will open so many doors for him in 10 years when it’s time to put it to use. 

 

So, if you are looking for ways to help us out, may I suggest this. All money raised through this fundraiser will be placed into a specific savings account for Elijah only, and won’t be able to be used for anything except paying for expenses related to education beyond high school.

 

Thank you for considering this fundraiser. If it’s in your heart to donate, thank you very much. I promise to make him put this money to good use.