Volunteer Mom Sued

I have started this campaign to raise money for the legal fees I have incurred as a result of my volunteer service to a non-profit as its treasurer, Broad Run Rowing.  My name is Masouda Gizabi. I am a wife and a devoted mother of three teenage children in Ashburn, Virginia. Last year, in 2018, I was the treasurer of my two daughters’ high school crew team parent association. As the treasurer, I had the authority and responsibility of paying all the bills and invoices. At year end, after all the bills were paid, I authorized payment for the salaries of two coaches in the amount of $7,500, per the approved budget, which was originally approved by the board.

The self-proclaimed president of the organization disagreed with my action and one week before Christmas 2018, sued me. The case was heard in court in Leesburg, Virginia on May 6, 2019 and the Judge dismissed the case after 5 hours of testimony. One week later, the individual who sued me, filed an appeal. As of June 20th, 2019, I have incurred $7400 in legal fees.  I will likely have to pay additional fees to my lawyer as the case makes its way to the appeals court later this summer/early fall.

         I volunteered because I care for my children and wanted to play a pivotal role in the growth and advancement of the community. Needless to say, like other parents, I devoted much time, effort and care to this organization, for the children, fellow parents and community at large. I do not have the financial means and resources to sustain these high legal fees and expenses and I humbly ask the supportive community to kindly help and pay down my legal fees. Through your prayers and financial support, I will hopefully be able to pay off the financially-burdening legal expenses that have accrued and move on from this stressful and time-consuming event. 

Any money raised after my legal fees are paid, I will gladly donate to the Broad Run Crew Inc., a non-profit (EIN 83-0958884), that supports more than 45 high school teen rowers at Broad Run High School in Loudoun County, Virginia.

 Thank you kindly, in advance for time and your generous support!