Hi,

My name is Hannah Snowden, and I am raising funds on behalf of my family for my little brother Sam’s memorial expenses. Sammy passed away Wednesday, May 18th, at just 25 years old.

Any amount will help, as we are also still recovering both emotionally and financially from my grandfather’s passing- just 12 weeks before Sam.

Funds will help our family cover travel costs, so that we may be together in this time of grief; celebrations of his life hopefully in both Austin and Atlanta with his respective loved ones, friends, and family; and expenses to ensure Sam’s closest loved ones are all able to do what they need to do to process and grieve and feel all the things that we need to feel.

Sammy always said that when he left this life, he wanted to be planted in the earth so that trees could grow new life from what he left behind…which makes his favorite image- the tree of life- make a lot of sense. What doesn’t make sense, and likely never will, is that the life of someone who - despite being dealt one hard hand after another- never, ever stopped giving, was cut short. He would’ve given the shirt off his own back to any stranger who he thought needed it more than he did. The last few times we spoke or saw each other, he was always talking about giving back. No matter what happened in his life, Sam never stopped loving, and never stopped giving.

The world feels so much smaller without Sam’s smile. Or his hugs. Or his determination to help whoever he could. Or his art- his joy, his pride, his peace, his escape, his solace…his art.

When we saw each other last in March- Jacob, Sam, Kai and I talked about getting coordinating tattoos the next time we were all together. Heck, if we reach our goal and there’s some left over, maybe we can still make good on that.

We truly, truly appreciate all of you, and the kindness Sam did get to see in his way too few years of life. We hope to keep that going. If you are able to give, thank you. If you aren’t in a position to, but can share with your networks, thank you. If your capacity simply lends a smile the next time it rains, thank you.

Samuel Rain Dokka- your love will never be forgotten. Thank you for making this world a brighter place, even through the storms.

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Update July 23rd, 2023:

Words cannot express how incredibly grateful we are for the support so far. Sammy’s love, light, and passion for giving have clearly been gifts he left with us when he left ❤️

We saw it fitting, given that the image he held dearest was the Tree of Life, to celebrate Sam’s full cycle of this life on what would have been his 26th birthday- October 1st.

We are planning SamFest! to honor Sam the best way we know how to, with a day filled with what Sam loved most- his friends, his family, his loved ones, and those who aspire to sprinkle a little more happiness wherever they go- all coming together for a day full of food, laughter, connection, music, painting, planting, above all- creating.

We want to be able to cover all the expenses that come with this day of celebration- all the food, paint, canvases, art supplies, spray paint PPE, live music, and all the other equipment and supplies needed to pull this off. But we can’t do it alone.

Funds raised so far have helped a tremendous deal with recovering travel costs and more of the immediate costs associated with the family being able to come together immediately after Sam’s passing, and we are so incredibly grateful.

But we still need help. If you are able to donate, any amount will help. If you aren’t in a place to do so, but could spread the word and share the link, that would be amazing! If you have suggestions/connections for vendors/art supplies/etc for SamFest!, that would also be be amazing!

Thank you for helping up make this celebration for Sammy possible ❤️

All my gratitude,

Hannah

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Update September 7th, 2023:

We are SO EXCITED for SamFest plans to be coming together, as we draw closer and closer to Sam's birthday, October 1st!

In Sam’s honor, we will plant a willow tree, share memories, paint, draw, share photos/videos, and we will have a "letter to Sam" ceremony which will be explained on the day of

Overall, we want to create a vibrant and loving community of people whose hearts have been touched by Sammy ☀️❤️ We are so excited to celebrate such a beautiful soul, and we can feel his excitement too!

Thank you to all have donated so far- it has helped tremendously with travel costs, helping the family be together, and start to make SamFest a reality. We are so incredibly grateful to be able to have this day to honor Sam. That being said, every little bit still helps (art supplies get pricey, y'all!) If you're able to donate- please do! If it's beyond your current capacity, that's ok too! It would be wonderful if you could share the link with your networks.

You are loved. Sam is loved. We are loved. Thank you.

SamFest Info: https://fb.me/e/1brgKqiIf