GoFundMe has released its statistics for the end of the year, finding Massachusetts and the rest of New England to be at the top of the list for most-generous states in the country in 2023.
In its “2023 Year in Help Report,” GoFundMe said more than 30 million people gave or received help through the fundraising site. It has helped raise more than $25 billion worldwide with more than than 200 million donations made in total, with one donation made every second.
Though there were many fundraisers in Massachusetts this year that impacted the lives of countless people, GoFundMe has highlighted 10 standout fundraisers that showcase Massachusetts residents’ generosity.
Here’s the list, with a bit of information on each cause and an update from the individuals the fundraiser helped, if available.
Funds raised: $164,504 of $100,000 goal
This fundraiser supported a man named Jaime, who owns Taste Buds Kitchen in the North Andover Mills. The restaurant was impacted by heavy damaging floods in August, and the fundraiser said Jaime did not have flood insurance and was worried about supporting his staff while he rebuilt.
Initial statement: “Jaime is a fixture in town, someone who’s endured a gas explosion, COVID, and now this devasting flooding. Let’s show Jaime some love, no donation is too small! #supportlocal.”
Update as of Aug. 16: “When I set up the GoFundMe I could never have imagined the level of support we’d receive, so THANK YOU to all who’ve donated. Clean up continues with over 75 crew on-site to remediate the damage done to our local businesses. It’s going to be an uphill climb, but together nothing is impossible. Let’s keep up the momentum and support our small businesses! #northandoverstrong #namills #supportlocal.”
Funds raised: $386,600 of $400,000 goal
Ariana Sutton, of Norton, was a mother of newborn twins, a 4-year-old girl and married to an Easton police officer, and died by suicide in May, just over a week after the babies were born. The babies arrived early, the family wrote, “placing an immense strain on Ariana’s mental health. Despite her relentless efforts to seek help, the burden of postpartum depression became too much to bear.”
Friends of the family wrote in the fundraiser, “The weight of this tragedy is unimaginable, but together, we can offer our love, strength, and financial assistance to help this family through their challenging journey.”
Update as of June 20: “We wanted to post another update with some exciting news! Everly and Rowan were released from the hospital at the end of last week into Tyler’s care. They are both healthy and ready to bring some joy back into the lives of Tyler, Melody, and the entire family. Tyler is spreading the word about the devastating impact of Postpartum Depression on families like his through a series of interviews with media outlets. Please continue to share, repost, and spread the word about this awful and prevalent condition to your friends, family, and networks.”
Funds raised: $144,033 of $50,000 goal
When lightning destroyed a house and barn at J&J Farms in Amherst, community members rose up to help. In their words, “Over many years, our family and many others in the valley have enjoyed their fine produce, from Asparagus to their delicious sweet corn in the fall months. A legandary name in the valley, their farm has been around for many years and I’m hoping the funds raised will help them recover and continue to farm the lands surrounding.”
Update as of June 8: “Thanks to everyone who’s donated so far, it’s great to see the local community (and beyond) helping after such a disaster…. I’m hoping in the next few days to have a community site up and running where everyone can share any extra ways they are able to help, from donating items, to potential time helping at the farm, to other fundraising opportunities. It also will provide a platform for longer-term updates, once the rebuilding process has started.
“Thanks again everyone, this is an amazing community to be a part of! We appreciate everyone’s role in helping out in whatever way they can!”
Funds raised: $53,845 of $50,000 goal
The Mattapan Patriots made history by qualifying for the American Youth Football Nationals in Naples, Florida for the first time this fall — but the only way they could make their trip in December was through some financial assistance.
Initial statement: “We have 30 talented and dedicated kids who are eager to represent Mattapan on the national stage, but we need assistance with airfare, lodging, food, transportation, and activities. Your contribution will make a significant impact on these young athletes, providing them with an unforgettable experience and a chance to shine on a national platform. Let’s come together as a community to support our youth in achieving this dream.”
Update as of Nov. 23: “I’m genuinely amazed at how swiftly we reached our $50K goal! Your overwhelming generosity has left me incredibly grateful… These youths are truly blessed and grateful.”
Funds raised: $91,813 of $85,000 goal
Flooding in July overtook the horse-powered vegetable farm called Natural Roots, leaving the Conway farm’s roads and river crossing gutted and impassable, main crop fields submerged with crops, flattened, uprooted or blasted out of the field and lost soil, the GoFundMe said. The South River had jumped its banks and though the people and workhorses were alright, the farm needed serious help.
Initial statement: “Losses like this are impossible to absorb into the shoestring margins that farms like ours already work within. As resilient and adaptable as we are, we will be unable to keep our farm going without help. With what we know now, we will need to raise $85,000 to cover our lost income and rebuild our farm from the flood. The situation is still unfolding and we may encounter additional needs along the way.”
Update as of July 28: “We are profoundly grateful for all of the support we have received. The generosity of our community, near and far, shows us that the work we do here is deeply valued, that we are part of something larger than ourselves and that we should, indeed, keep going.”
Funds raised: $64,401 of $63,000 goal
A Boston police officer’s 37-year-old wife suddenly died in the beginning of October, leaving behind four young children and a devastated husband.
Initial statement: The Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement officers wrote on the fundraiser, “The world lost a beautiful light with the unexpected passing of Vakita Maxwell … For those who know and love her, an abyss of pain has been opened, none felt deeper than by those who call her mom. As her family comes to terms with this profound loss, we kindly ask for your financial support to help Kirk navigate these difficult circumstances and ensure a brighter future for their children.”
Funds raised: $242,723 of $360,000 goal
The Needham-based aunt and uncle of the Mathias family, an Israeli family whose parents were killed during an attack at their Kibbutz Holit home in October, created the GoFundMe. The family wrote, “They died protecting their 16-year-old son Rotem, who was seriously wounded during the attack. Rotem miraculously survived by hiding for more than 12 hours, through repeated attempts by the terrorists to ensure there were no survivors in the house. Rotem’s sisters, Shir and Shaked, witnessed their parents’ deaths in real time through texts from Rotem.”
Initial statement: “Shlomi and Shahar were devoted parents, wonderful musicians, and passionate educators who believed in and advocated for coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. They were founders of the Hagar school in Beer Sheva, a joint Jewish-Muslim school, and leaders of the pro-democracy protests. We hope you will help us directly support Rotem, Shir, and Shaked as they move forward to live the lives their parents died to protect.”
“Your contribution will support immediate financial needs like trauma care, mental health support, education, housing (their kibbutz is no longer livable), and replacement of lost personal items. Further ahead, your support will help Rotem, Shir, and Shaked as they transition to adulthood, find jobs and living spaces, and God willing, build families of their own.”
Funds raised: $164,461 of $40,000 goal
A 5-year-old boy from Wellesley was involved in what his family called a “devastating accident” with a neighbor’s ride-on lawnmower in June. The little boy was flown to the hospital and despite months of surgeries and doctors’ best efforts, the family decided amputation of his lower right leg was the best decision.
Initial statement: “Thankfully, Jaeger is as tough as it gets. Justin and Laura report he is on several antibiotics to prevent infection, his pain is well controlled and he’s resting between surgeries… With a newborn baby girl and older brother at home, the logistics of trying to juggle hospital visits, childcare, medical costs, lost work time, meals, sleep and every day-household chores are nearly impossible. Yet, Justin + Laura have been navigating it all with grace and determination. If it were up to them, they wouldn’t ask for anything or burden anyone.”
Update as of Nov. 5: “The Dziamas now have Jaeger home and have begun working toward their new normal and healing together as a family. They are eagerly looking forward to the day Jaeger is able to get his prosthetic leg which will likely happen in just over a month. In the meantime he will be working hard at physical therapy so that his body is strong and ready for this big next step!”
Funds raised: $129,911 of $100,000 goal
2-year-old Hallie James Kyed of Worcester was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, leaving her family scrambling to face a mountain of bills including medical bills beyond insurance, lodging, gas, parking, food additional support for her sister and other unexpected costs for Hallie.
Initial statement: “The Kyed family has faced many struggles in recent years, and we are hoping this financial support can help ease some of the anxiety associated with this new world they are navigating. Hallie is a strong little girl, and we are relieved she is receiving the best care in the world. We will provide updates as we can!”
Update as of Dec. 6: “We received devastating news last week that Hallie relapsed, and her AML returned just one month after she was discharged from Boston Children’s Hospital and came home. Hallie’s currently at the hospital where she started a new cycle of chemotherapy yesterday. She should be able to receive most of her treatment at home.
“Hallie has beaten every single obstacle that AML has thrown her so far. This will absolutely be her toughest test, but if anyone can topple it, it’s our fierce little Hallie Bear.
“Hallie remains in good spirits. Fortunately, there’s a lot of friendly faces at BCH that Hallie has been happy to see. She’s enjoying painting, collecting compliments on her princess dresses, FaceTiming with family + watching Elf. We love her so much. Any positive thoughts, vibes or prayers you could send Hallie’s way would be greatly appreciated.”
Funds raised: $111,494 of $100,000 goal
Brahim El Guabli is a resident of Williamstown who took it upon themselves to raise money for people in Morocco after an earthquake left thousands of people dead, injured or homeless, and many children orphaned.
Initial statement: “A teacher has written only four children survived from a class she is teaching, the rest of the students perished under the debris of their homes. The areas hit by the earthquake are in the High Atlas Mountains, an area that gets very cold and snowy in the winter, and is made up of many remote villages. The funds raised will go directly to families in the hardest hit areas to restore their houses or restart lost businesses.
“Your donation will make a huge difference and will go a long way in supporting families to heal and recover a sense of normalcy in time. A group of Moroccan scholars in the US are working with local NGOs and community leaders to ensure all funds make the biggest, most direct impact to support families.”
