GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A GoFundMe page has been set up for two women who were hit by an SUV near East Carolina University’s (ECU) campus earlier this week. The women, Jenna Lucido and Hayle Cuff, ages 19 and 20, were struck by the vehicle while crossing the crosswalk near Umstead Residence Hall on 10th Street Monday night. Both are currently in the hospital recovering from their injuries, though authorities say they are expected to survive.
The accident, which occurred around 7:45 p.m., involved a 68-year-old woman, Gracie McRoy, who was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to reduce speed. According to the GoFundMe page, the families of the two women are raising funds to cover medical bills and travel expenses, as the women are from out of state.
In light of this, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about GoFundMe to help you better understand how the platform works, especially if you are considering donating or starting a fundraiser for a cause.
FAQs On GoFundMe
- How much does GoFundMe take?
This operates with a small fee structure. In the United States, the platform does not charge a platform fee for personal fundraisers. However, there are standard payment processing fees, which generally range from 2.9% + $0.30 per donation. These fees go toward processing payments securely. It’s important to be aware of these charges when planning your fundraiser or donation.
- How can I find a specific fundraiser on GoFundMe?
To find a fundraiser on GoFundMe, you can use the GoFundMe search by name feature. Simply visit the GoFundMe website and use the search bar at the top of the page. You can enter the names of the individuals or cause you are looking for. You may also be able to search using keywords or locations related to the fundraiser, such as “Jenna Lucido” and “Hayle Cuff” or “ECU accident.”
- Can I create a GoFundMe for someone else and have the funds go directly to them?
Yes, you can create a GoFundMe fundraiser for someone else. This is actually a common practice, especially in cases where the person in need of funds may be recovering from an accident or health issue and is unable to manage the fundraiser themselves. When setting up the fundraiser, you can choose to have the funds directly transferred to the person’s bank account once the donations are received.
- Can I raise money for myself on GoFundMe?
Yes, it is completely okay to raise money for yourself on GoFundMe. Many people use the platform to cover medical expenses, education costs, emergency needs, and more. Whether it’s for unexpected medical bills or travel expenses, GoFundMe allows individuals to fundraise for personal causes.
- Are there any time limits or deadlines for fundraising on GoFundMe?
No, there are no strict deadlines or time limits for fundraising on GoFundMe. You can run a fundraiser as long as you need to meet your goal. The platform allows fundraisers to stay active until you decide to close them. However, it’s recommended to set a target date for your fundraiser to create a sense of urgency and to keep the momentum going.
- How long will it take to receive the money from my GoFundMe?
Once your GoFundMe is set up and the donations start coming in, you will begin receiving funds once your account is linked to a bank account. After that, funds are typically transferred on a rolling basis, with the first transfer taking around 5-7 business days. After the initial transfer, additional donations are processed within a few days.
- How can I share and promote my GoFundMe?
Sharing and promoting your page is easy and essential to its success. Once your page is live, you can share the link with your friends and family through email, social media platforms, and even text messages. The more you share, the more likely it is that you’ll reach potential donors. Page also offers built-in sharing tools that make it easy to spread the word across Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms.
- Are there any tips for helping my GoFundMe fundraiser succeed?
Yes! Here are a few tips to make your GoFundMe campaign more successful:
- Set a clear goal: Be transparent about how much you need and what the funds will be used for.
- Share updates: Keep donors updated with progress, including medical updates or how the funds are being used.
- Create a personal story: Make your page personal and relatable by sharing your own story or the story of the people you’re fundraising for.
- Reach out to your network: Ask close friends and family to donate first and share your campaign to help it gain traction.
- Who can fundraise on GoFundMe, and what can I fundraise for?
Anyone can create a GoFundMe for any cause they are passionate about, whether it’s for medical bills, education, emergencies, or charitable causes. However, GoFundMe has a policy in place to ensure that fundraisers are legitimate. You cannot use the platform for illegal activities or to fundraise for fraudulent causes.
- Can I create a GoFundMe for a charity or nonprofit?
Yes, GoFundMe allows users to create fundraisers for charities and nonprofits. You can either create a fundraiser on behalf of a specific organization or set up a campaign for a broader charitable cause. Be sure to include relevant details about the charity and ensure the funds will be directed to them.
If you are looking to support the two women involved in the accident near ECU, you can visit the GoFundMe page set up for them to make a donation. Your support will help with their medical bills and other necessary expenses as they continue to recover from this traumatic event.
For more information on creating a GoFundMe page or supporting a campaign, visit the official GoFundMe website.
