In the wake of my earlier post, admonishing the ski community for not stepping up on the McCabe fundraiser, I have received a number of questions. I will clarify below. I appreciate the questions, and apologize for not making certain things more clear initially.
The biggest issue seems to be the issue of raining money to “purchase” paintings for the McCabes that the McCabes already own. This is understandably confusing.
Sean McCabe was the primary breadwinner in the McCabe family, working as a public school teacher and independent artist. I am not privy to the specifics of Sean’s finances, but we all know that public school teachers are not paid well.
Sean was fighting a terrible disease and substantial costs were incurred. According to a close family friend, Sean’s health insurance, provided by the school, was “pathetic at best.” I have been told that the debt incurred by the family is “towering.”
Additionally, while Sean did have life insurance through the school, it was for only $10,000, a relatively paltry sum in the face of the costs of his illness and in light of the fact that he was the financial provider for the family.
So there is a very real need here.
Back to the paintings… Sean’s artwork holds considerable value. As an accomplished artist, his original work fetches thousands of dollars. Laura cannot afford to keep the two paintings that are part of this fundraiser. The idea is that the fundraiser would “buy” the paintings, allowing Sean’s two daughters to keep these wonderful mementos of their father, while providing needed financial assistance.
It would have been possible to leave the paintings out of whole fundraiser, and just ask for support, but from my perspective, thinking not only of the financial needs, but the emotional needs, especially of the young children is a big part the support.
I hope this helpful, and I encourage you to contact me if you have any additional questions. If I don’t know the answer, I will find out.
Since my article earlier today, we have raised another $400 from 20 contributions. Thank you!
2 comments
Mike Trecker
December 11, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Thanks for the clarification. I would like to add that Laura McCabe has performed on behalf of corporate sponsors for many years. Calling out; Subaru, Saab, Fischer, Salomon, Swix, Louis Garneau, Craft, Rudy Project, Suunto, Podium Wear, Holiday Inn et al. to kick down CASH for this cause as well.
mygatt
December 12, 2009 at 1:18 pm
One more thing about the paintings: not only does this fundraiser financially support the McCabe family in a time of real need, but there is a tangible aspect to this fundraiser that will be with Sean’s kids throughout their lives, that makes this a very special opportunity for this community. Let’s make it happen!