A feel good story took a complicated turn in late July 2016. Fred, a 19 year old who said he borrowed his brother’s bike and rode six hours to register for a Georgia college, was reportedly found sleeping in a tent because campus housing was not yet available. His story spread quickly, and a GoFundMe campaign set up by a woman named Casey raised more than $184,000 from over 5,700 donations in about 12 days.
Now GoFundMe says those funds are on hold. According to a statement Casey posted on the campaign’s Facebook page, Success For Fred, “multiple questions have been raised about Fred’s story,” and she said she had received conflicting information about his initial account. She wrote that she had asked for the campaign to be reviewed and that she believes Fred needs to provide additional information.
The statement followed a Facebook post from Fred himself. He objected to plans to place the money in a trust, saying he did not consent to the trustee committee that was established and that he had not spoken with the attorney involved. He wrote that the only trust he would use is one with a trustee and a lawyer of his own choosing.
It is not clear what the “multiple questions” are or what the conflicting information might be. GoFundMe spokesman Bobby Whithorne said the funds raised are on hold and cannot be withdrawn until all questions have been answered, adding that donors would be refunded if they are not.
This story is still developing, and Baller Alert will share what is confirmed as more details come from Fred, the campaign organizer and GoFundMe.
What do you think about how the funds should be handled?
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