Help Maria and Family after a House Fire

My wonderful friend Maria Gapotchenko and her three children and partner Peter just lost their home in Needham, MA. Maria is a friend and inspiration to so many, in the Boston University alumni community and among the BU faculty. The family lost most of their personal belongings and the home they have lived in for a decade. Maria no longer has the books that she relies on to teach.  Like many of us, on Monday she has to go back to work--and the children, to school.

A compassionate and hard-working teacher, and a leader in her program, Maria has mentored hundreds of people since she started at the university 17 years ago. She is a mom to Thais, 6, and Andre and Sophie, 10.  Many people in Boston know the trio of children as part of the highly accomplished Boston Bilingual Choir. 

I am raising funds to help Maria and her family find a safe place to stay for the next months. They will also need clothing and personal items for herself and he family. Please help us raise at least $15,000 to ease this difficult time and show Maria, Peter, Sophie, Andre, and Thais how much we appreciate them.

Please consider participating in this opportunity to help someone personally affected by this tragedy. I would greatly appreciate it if you give what you can. If you can't donate at this time, I would love your help spreading the word to people in the Boston and BU communities. 

Thank you,
Olga Livshin