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Remembering Henry Merritt

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UPDATE August 8, 2017:
The goal has been raised to $30,000. As you think of something thoughtful to do in Henry's honor, consider sharing this with other folks who might not have donated already. All funds will go to supporting the family. And thank you.


UPDATE July 27, 2017:
These past seven nights, after our two little boys are in bed, my husband Ashraf and I would sit on our couch and remember Henry. We miss him.

There are moments when we step back to realize that it has only been 10 months since Henry first invited Ashraf back into his outdoor kitchen, likely giving him something delicious to taste. It's been 10 months since Henry gave Mimo and Lewyn (our two boys) an animated run-down of what to expect trick-or-treating in Lindberg Park. In that short time since moving in next door to the Merritts, Henry's openness, generosity, zeal for life, love of children, and humor burrowed into a permanent soft spot in our hearts. Like this beautiful piece  elegantly says <http://culvercitycrossroads.com/2017/07/26/just-a-thought-henry-merritt/>, we were truly lucky to know Henry Merritt.

The generosity that Henry and Wendy's village has displayed is amazing - 129 generous friends have donated $21,295 in just one week. Thank you.

Let's keep it going. The goal has been raised to $25,000. Please remember that all funds will go to Wendy, Jack, and Owen. Continue to share and do what you're doing!

UPDATE July 23, 2017:
It has been absolutely incredible seeing so many come to the aid of Wendy, Jack, and Owen during this difficult time. In 3 days, we have raised $13,438 via 87 very generous donors. Thank you. This is a true testament to all the lives that Henry has touched and brightened.

I am raising the goal to $20,000. All the funds over the original goal of $10,000 will continue to go to the Merritts. With two high schoolers nearing college and the loss of income from Henry's catering business, I guarantee you that every penny will go towards the people that Henry cared most about in this world - his wife and children. Please continue sharing with others and let's get to $20,000 for them. 

*******
It is with a heavy heart that we, friends and neighbors, band together to help Henry's family during this very difficult time. Henry Merritt passed suddenly the night of July 19, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and his two teenaged boys, Jack and Owen.   

To know Henry was to love Henry. He burned bright and his love for life was infectious to all around him. The children of the block ran to his house, screaming his name in joy, knowing that Henry would greet them with open arms, something yummy to eat, or a push on his swing.  He donated his time and delicious food to feed the homeless. His friends all depended on him like a rock, because he was foundational to any community he was a part of. 

It is a severe understatement to say that he will be missed. For his friends, it is a shock to the system that he is gone, but mostly for his family. We hope to gather funds to help Wendy, Jack, and Owen pay for funeral costs as well as any other expenses during this challenging period.

Please help us remember Henry. Nicole Reidman and I, Alice Hawari, will make sure all of these funds are passed in full to Wendy and Henry's family. Thank you for your support.
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Donations 

  • Steve and Lori Compher
    • $100 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Alice Kim Hawari
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Wendy Merritt
Beneficiary

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