In a troubling development regarding a fundraising campaign, an individual who was previously homeless claims he is unable to access a significant portion of the donations raised on his behalf. Last year, a woman named Sarah Lawson initiated a GoFundMe campaign that garnered over $400,000 for David Carter, a homeless man known for his altruistic gesture when he assisted her during a roadside emergency. However, Carter asserts that he has only received half of the funds and is now back on the streets, resorting to panhandling for survival.
The Backstory
The backstory reveals that Lawson encountered Carter when he selflessly spent his last $20 to help her refuel her vehicle after she ran out of gas. Deeply moved by his kindness, Lawson set a fundraising goal of $10,000 but ultimately raised an astonishing $402,706. The stated intention was to provide Carter with first and last month’s rent for an apartment, a dependable vehicle, and several months of living expenses, as Lawson believed that a stable environment would help him regain control of his life.
Current Allegations
Currently, Carter alleges that he has not received the full initial amount of $200,000. The remaining funds are reportedly being withheld by Lawson and her partner, Tom Richards, who claim they will release the rest only once Carter secures employment and remains drug-free. Richards expressed skepticism about giving Carter unrestricted access to the money, likening it to “handing him a loaded gun” due to his struggles with addiction.
Carter, on the other hand, contends that he has had no direct access to the funds, highlighting that Lawson and Richards have controlled his expenditures. He acknowledges that although he spent a portion—$25,000—on various personal matters, he feels that the funds should have been directed to him as intended by the donors. Additionally, he has raised concerns that Lawson and Richards may have misappropriated some of the donations for their own benefit, a claim they deny, though Richards admitted to using $500 for gambling, which he later reimbursed.
Investigation and Legal Assistance
In light of this situation, GoFundMe has announced they are investigating the claims of fund misuse to ensure the donations are appropriately allocated. They stated, “We work with all parties involved to ensure funds go to the right place.” Carter has also sought legal assistance from pro bono attorney Emily Thompson, who aims to help him navigate this complex issue. Thompson described Carter as a victim of unfortunate circumstances and emphasized the importance of ensuring he benefits from the generosity of donors.
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Conclusion
In summary, the situation involving David Carter presents a cautionary tale about the complexities of crowdfunding and the ethical considerations surrounding the management of donated funds. While the initial intention was to provide support, the resulting discord raises serious questions about accountability and the rightful use of charitable contributions.