How can you go about legally having a fundraiser?

Question

I need to raise about 10k for a legal battle over removing my son from any contact with my ex, who abuses him. I thought the other day about a fundraiser..like a pancake breakfast or something like that. How can I go about it legally, and what avenue would make the most money? Please help!

Answer 1

Susan,
I realize that you have the need--but you must also think about the public and psychological implications that you may be placing on your son if you do something that public to raise money for that reason. Granted, we do not want to condone abuse, but do you really want to publicly subject your son to your community, for that reason, in that way? Something to think about. Propagandizing this for your son's benefit could help---but you may also open yourself to counter-propaganda, are you prepared for this?

http://www.childabuselawyers.com/LegalAidCampaign.htm

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_48/b4011431.htm

You may also want to look to your State and local governement as a resource for help.

Answer 2

What would make the most money is to sit down with individuals and ask them for help. Obviously that's difficult though: to raise $10,000, you'd need 100 people to give $100 each. You'd be better off getting legal services through a nonprofit organization that might help you. Then, they do their own fundraising for a variety of cases, and it will protect your son from public knowledge of what happened to him.

Answer 3

You might want to consult the American Bar Association's website for ideas on getting access to legal assistance. http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/delivery/delmodesthelp.html

I also have heard of the Never Again Foundation, at http://neveragainfoundation.org/, but I do not know their background or effectiveness.