GOFUNDME

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin will use the $9.1 million given to a GoFundMe by well-wishers after his on-field collapse to fund his own nonprofit, the Chasing M’s Foundation.

“This year is the 30th Anniversary of the store and leadership decided that one of the best ways to celebrate is to make a donation that works toward the PTO Thrift Shop vision of a diverse and thriving community in which every Ann Arbor Public Schools student has equitable access to enrichment opportunities inside and outside the classroom,” PTO Thrift Shop officials wrote in a release.

A Pontiac woman and her family lost their home and all of their belongings in a fire on Friday.

Security footage captured a robbery at a hair salon in Ypsilanti.

Here are 10 of our team's favorite stories from this year.

One local company is using a creative incentive to raise funds for Food Gatherers.

A GoFundMe page was organized for the children of Jim Matthews, who was killed on Friday in his Chesterfield Township home, according to WWJ 950.

Crowdfunding has gained popularity, making it important to understand how it's connected to taxes and the IRS.

What do you do if you don’t have health insurance or your health insurer refuses to pay for treatment?

The soccer club co-founder and Google executive is spending a month in his native Poland helping refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

A fundraiser has been started to help the family of Oxford High School Shooting victim Tate Myre.

Before you make a donation online, you should be certain that money is going to the people you intended.

Friends and families of the roughly 60 people hit by an SUV that sped through a Christmas parade in a suburban Milwaukee downtown say some suffered life-threatening injuries.

“It’s very dangerous. It’s dangerous to dogs. It’s life threatening. It’s also transmittable to humans.”

As the work to get Americans and Afghan allies out of Kabul, a Detroit man has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund rescue missions.

While the fire was extinguished days ago, fire crews are still working to help in the aftermath of the devastation.

A fundraiser has been established for two people whose home was destroyed when a condo exploded earlier this month in Warren.

When Bryson Kiliman heard his parents talking about the expensive vet bills they may not be able to pay, he got to work.

It’s estimated that at least 3,000 Michigan restaurants are permanently closed because of coronavirus.

(AP Photo/Ben Gray)Shortly after his mother was killed in the Atlanta-area shootings, Randy Park launched a GoFundMe page asking for $20,000 to pay for funeral expenses. For now, donors to victims of the Atlanta shootings must scour individual GoFundMe accounts. A page for Yong Yue’s family drew more than $115,000. AdPark's family was the first to launch a GoFundMe page. This is simply a change in my life,” Park wrote to the 70,000 people who had contributed as of Sunday afternoon.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Last year a boy from Ann Arbor survived a terrible crash and his life was forever changed. His journey touched the lives of the Wayne officers who answered the call. He’s my superhero,” said Lindsay Vierk, whose son was paralyzed in the crash. AdThe Wayne officers that responded that day say Butler is a boy they will never forget. AdRead more: Ann Arbor headlines

ANN ARBOR – A GoFundMe organized by parent group Ann Arbor Reasonable Return has surpassed its $30,000 goal in under 24 hours. “Ann Arbor Reasonable Return is exploring all options to get relief for families in the Ann Arbor Public Schools who have been in virtual only learning since March 13, 2020,” reads the GoFundMe page. “We are raising funds for establishing a political action committee (PAC) that can then take steps like retain professional legal and lobbying counsel. According to the Board of Education, if they vote to keep school virtual, children with the greatest needs will be able to return to buildings at the end of March. AdCo-founder of Ann Arbor Reasonable Return Lena Kauffman said that the group is currently in the process of signing with the firm.

READ: Former homeless woman hands out phone charger kits to those in need in Ann ArborAside from not having a safe place to stay, another problem was created. Many homeless people do keep a cell phone, that is how they can stay connected to services offering help. A formerly homeless woman in Ann Arbor found a solution but is asking for help. Ariah Schgat, 28, said when she was homeless her phone was her lifeline to doctors, shelter services and more. READ: Michigan nonprofit aims to help homeless, dismiss stereotypes“It’s very nerve-wracking because every percent going down is another chance you could miss the call that could get you off the streets,” she said.

DETROIT – Dowan Knighton, 47, is in jail in connection with the recently discovered remains of 29-year-old Kayla Pierce of Livingston County. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Knighton with mutilation of a dead body, concealing the death of an individual and tampering with evidence. Detroit police said Pierce’s mother reported her missing on Nov. 24, 2020. He is expected to return to court Feb. 25. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Pierce’s family pay for funeral expenses.

Ariah Schugat recently came to the Ann Arbor area and experienced these challenges. With restaurants, cafes and the Ann Arbor District Libraries closed, the pack helped keep her phone charged and, in turn, connected with those who could help. When asked why she started the project, Schugat said she wanted to spread kindness, since it is ultimately what got her off the streets. “The need is far greater than just the phone kits. Every time they come out (of jail), they’re two steps further back.”With plans to expand the project, Schugat said more funding is needed.

TAYLOR, Mich. – A Metro Detroit family is grieving while awaiting charges against a suspected drunk driver who crashed into another vehicle this week, killing a 12-year-old girl. UPDATE: Man accused of driving drunk faces 9 felony charges in Taylor crash that killed 12-year-old girlOn Wednesday, Feb. 3, 12-year-old Phoebe Elliot was a passenger in her aunt’s vehicle, traveling westbound on Northline Road. Taylor Police Chief John Blair says the driver who crashed into Elliot’s vehicle will more than likely be facing charges. “I think this is about supporting this 12-year-old girl’s family,” Blair said. Original story: Driver accused of running red light in Taylor crash that killed 12-year-old girlMore: Local news

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Jim Toy Community Center announced Tuesday that the doors of its physical office space, located at 319 Braun Court, would close at the end of January. Jim Toy Community Center has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with the expenses of the volunteer-run nonprofit. If you can, please help by contributing to the GoFundMe Campaign to ensure a vibrant and active countywide #LGBTQ resource center exists in the future. After the Jim Toy Community Center board of directors meeting in December, Joe Schoch was elected as board president in 2021. He is replacing Travis Radina, who was elected as an Ann Arbor City Council member representing Ward 3 in November.

ANN ARBOR – Retired training officer with the Ann Arbor Fire Department, Craig Sidelinger, passed away on Monday morning after a nearly two-year battle with colon cancer. Sidelinger joined AAFD as a firefighter in 2000. He held the position for 10 years before advancing to training officer -- a role he also held for 10 years. According to AAFD, Sidelinger was the longest-serving training officer in the department. “He also helped teach public outreach such as Safety Town, Ann Arbor Ready, and the City Citizen’s Academy.

DETROIT – Family and friends of Rodney and Marlene Rodriguez are remembering the two after they died in a two-car collision on Michigan Avenue. According to a GoFundMe page, Rodney and Marlene were married for 43 years. Rodney just picked up his wife from work at a city casino when the crash happened on New Year’s Eve night. Larry and Tahisha Smith had just left MGM Casino when they saw the crash. Police said Rodney and Marlene were in their Mercury Sable which was split in half in the collision.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Whether it’s a first date, birthday party or family game night, everyone has a story about Pinball Pete’s. So Pinball Pete’s has started a GoFundMe campaign and is asking its legions of loyal fans for help. “The response that we’ve received initially has been outstanding,” said Nick Reynolds, son of Pinball Pete’s owner Mike Reynolds. Those who donate between $1-$50 will be mentioned in a thank you post on the Pinball Pete’s Facebook pages. Pinball Pete’s is at 1214 S. University Ave in Ann Arbor and 220 Albert St. in East Lansing, Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – We hope you’ve been saving up your quarters. Pinball and arcade game players can Ann Arbor’s historic arcade, Pinball Pete’s, between noon and 6 p.m. on Saturday. According to the businesses’ Facebook page, masks are required, hand sanitizer stations are posted throughout the store and machines are sanitized as they are used. The East Lansing Pinball Pete’s location will on January 1, 2021 with limited hours and capacity. Pinball Pete’s is at 1214 S. University Ave.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A couple who died after battling COVID-19 left behind three children. Those children now need help paying the bills. However, the Sterling Heights Police Department decided officers could help, too. If you would like to help the family, there is a GoFundMe. More: Sterling Heights news

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – With little government assistance, the food service in the United States has been decimated by the pandemic. In lieu of government assistance, one Metro Detroit supplier is stepping in to help as much as they can. That’s why they set up the Local Love campaign, an online application for restaurant owners to fill out and also a GoFundMe page to raise money for these restaurants. So anyone that is able to help should help,” Floyd said. According to the National Restaurant Association, 83% of restaurants owners expect sales to decline over winter and 37% believe they’ll be able to remain open in six months without government help.

ALLENDALE, Mich. – Dozens are mourning the sudden loss of Grand Valley State University first-year student Taylor DeRosa. DeRosa’s body was found on Dec. 12 by a jogger near the athletic field on the university’s Allendale campus. Police are investigating her death as suspicious. PREVIOUS: Police investigating suspicious death after body found on Grand Valley campusThe manner of death is not being revealed at this time. Anyone who has information is asked to call the Grand Valley State University Police Department at 616-331-3255.

OAK PARK, Mich. – Family and friends of LaDamien Williams is asking for help covering the boy’s funeral costs. LaDamien was just 12 years old when he was fatally shot Monday inside a home in Oak Park. Here is the statement from the fund organizer:“My friend dedicated her life to saving other peoples lives. She has worked in the healthcare field saving lives every day being there for other people’s family members. She did not have any life insurance for her children and we need to help give this young man, this innocent young man a proper burial.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A family in Macomb County is asking a thief to return a stolen bike -- no questions asked. It’s no ordinary bike -- it was built specifically for their 12-year-old son with cerebral palsy so he could ride with his sisters. “The bike itself was bought because he can’t really do a two-wheel,” said Jennifer Kraft. Like Leland, the bike was one-of-a-kind -- a tricycle built and modified so he could join his sisters on their rides. “It was more so about his independence,” Nicholas Kraft said.

Bike built for boy with cerebral palsy stolen from Shelby Township homePublished: August 30, 2020, 11:29 pm“It just seems like all that hard work we did to get it shipped here because of everything that’s going on, and my brother in-law’s work on the bike it -- just seems like it went to waste,” said Nicholas Kraft.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – One Ann Arbor nonprofit is reaching out to the community to help to keep it afloat during the global health crisis. SCRAP Creative Reuse is a nonprofit organization located in Ann Arbor dedicated to education on sustainability and recycling used materials. The drop in business inspired SCRAP Creative Reuse to open up the Save our SCRAP project, a Gofundme with a goal of $20,000. Saturday Aug. 29, SCRAP Creative Reuse will also be having a back-to-school sale with buy one get one free fill-a-bags, special deals for teachers, and discounts on school and office supplies. To donate visit the Save our SCRAP Gofundme, or visit the SCRAP Creative Reuse website for more information.

FERNDALE, Mich. – Sparrow Karas is a beloved member of the Ferndale community and her neighbors are joining forces to help. After living in the same house for 30 years, Karas is facing eviction. She said her believe is that humans are extraordinary, which makes our current world a mystery to her. The owner wants to sell the house and Karas is facing eviction. The goal is to raise enough money to make the down payment on the house, buy it and gift it to her.

Community rallies to help Ferndale poet facing evictionPublished: July 30, 2020, 6:12 pmSparrow Karas is a beloved member of the Ferndale community and her neighbors are joining forces to help.

DETROIT – It’s been decades since one Detroit grandfather has been able to walk due to multiple sclerosis. It’s designed to help the user stand upright and be able to walk. “The last time I saw him stand up was in college,” Melinda said. “I understand we’re in the middle of a pandemic and a civil rights movement, but hope is not canceled and courage is not canceled,” Melinda said. “My father is the most courageous man I know.”A GoFundMe has been set up for the family.

In 1975, Jay Platt opened West Side Book Shop on W. Liberty St. seven years after graduating from the University of Michigan. Platt launched the “HELP WEST SIDE BOOKS SURVIVE” GoFundMe campaign on April 28 with the goal of raising $75,000. Additionally, Platt has had to cancel this year’s Ann Arbor Book Fair -- an event he has organized for more than 25 years that benefits University of Michigan’s Clements Library. “We are vintage, like many of our books,” wrote Platt. West Side Book Shop is at 113 W. Liberty Street Ann Arbor.

BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – A Michigan school district has launched a GoFundMe-style fundraising campaign for school upgrades after residents voted against a bond proposal in 2018. MLive reports that Northwest Community Schools District started the Invest in Northwest portal in January. The district hopes to encourage people to give by sharing success stories on the website. The online portal does not have a timeline or total price tag. Some projects have money goals, while others don’t.

In June of 2019, Johnson and his family were getting pizza and stopped at a gas station at 7 Mile and Telegraph roads in Detroit. The first company to call us back was Freedom Motors USA. Right away, Freedom Motors USA jumped into action. Sales Manager Justin Lerette said, “The name Freedom Motors USA means more than a company name. (WDIV)When Local 4 showed Brathwaite her new van, thanks to Freedom Motors USA, she was overwhelmed.

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – A donation account has been set up to help the family of a 1-year-old boy who was killed Tuesday morning when someone struck his mother’s car on eastbound I-94 in Macomb County. Police said the preliminary investigation showed a van was traveling in the left center lane on eastbound I-94 at Martin Road about 6 a.m. when it changed into the left lane and rear-ended the car. She stopped the car on the interstate and was waiting for help when the van hit the car. The family says the boy’s mother suffered serious injuries and will have a long road to recovery. This GoFundMe page has been created to help pay for the child’s funeral.

A 5-year-old boy who was thrown off a third-story balcony at the Mall of America in a random attack nearly five months ago has recovered enough to leave the hospital, his loved ones said. Landen completed inpatient rehabilitation and has entered the next phase of recovery, which will take place at his home, his family said Tuesday on GoFundMe. Landen will undergo continued outpatient rehabilitation for multiple injuries and adjusting to life back at home and school, his family said. Landen was with his family at the Minnesota mall on April 12 when a stranger grabbed him and threw him over the balcony, officials said. RELATED STORIESMan Who Threw Boy at Mall of America Gets 19 Years in PrisonMore Than $500K Raised for Little Boy Thrown Off Mall of America BalconyToddler Is Recovering After Being Hit by Shrapnel, Losing Teeth in Texas Shooting

A GoFundMe page has been started to create a memorial mural in the Oregon District of Dayton, Ohio, where nine people were killed a mass shooting.

The couple raised a total of $550 from the GoFundMe, according to a company spokeswoman. Photographs of baby Easton were posted on the couple's Facebook pages, and the baby matched the "appearance of a newborn look-a-like baby doll," the complaint said. Police say they were unable to find any record that baby Easton ever existed. Police checked with the coroner's office in Somerset and Cambria County and neither had records of an Easton Lang, according to the complaint. CNN has also attempted to reach out to the people who gave the couple money and gifts.