Asking for help doesn’t mean that you’ve failed; it just means you’re not alone. That mantra is what the folks behind GoFundMe are all about. GoFundMe helps individuals raise money online for the things that matter to them the most—including charities, trips, medical bills and more—and many residents have utilized the website to gain funds for their personal use and for others.
Longtime Farmingdale resident Andrew Herzman recently used GoFundMe to raise money so he could attend a job interview in Manhattan. When Herzman lost his job, he used the site to find support to help him get back on his feet.
“I created my page because I lost my full-time job in television because they relocated,” he said. “I wasn’t able to find full-time work, and I used up all the money I had-—my savings, my retirement money and my home in Florida. I used GoFundMe, so I could potentially get a job.”
Herzman has a large family who lives in many different areas throughout the U.S., and he thought GoFundMe was a good way to let them know he needed help. “Creating the page was really hard for me because I don’t like asking for help, but I’m glad that I did because it helped me realize that I have such a supportive and caring family,” he said.
Even though Herzman did not get the job after he met his goal of $1,000 and attended the interview, the support still helped him.
“It was a lifesaver,” he said. “It gave me confidence and hope when I didn’t have anywhere else to turn.”
Farmingdale State College’s Children’s Center is also using GoFundMe to plant a garden at the entrance of the center, to supplement and enhance the environmental education the children already get. Sarah Caltabiano created the page last April with a goal of $1,000. Even though only $515 was raised, the garden is already in the process. All of the funds raised on GoFundMe will go towards buying plants, seeds, cuttings, compost, stones for pavement, benches and birdhouses.
Farmingdale resident Geena Portelli created a GoFundMe page on April 8 to raise $4,000, so she can attend a half marathon in July that raises funds and awareness for Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Portelli was diagnosed with the disease four years ago, and she joined Team Challenge, an endurance training and fundraising program that trains members for destination races while raising vital funds to help find cures for the disease.
“I want to spread awareness and help others who are struggling with this disease. I joined Team Challenge to help raise money for our upcoming half marathon. Personally, running a half marathon is a true testament to how much I’ve overcome this disease,” said Portelli.
Portelli believes GoFundMe is a great way of fundraising.
“It has definitely been a great way to raise money because it’s easy to spread around on the Internet,” she said. “Friends, family and coworkers have already donated over $800. It was a great tool to get me started on my fundraising goals.”
Find out more about GoFundMe on page 4A.
