GoFundMe Iowa: Iowans Create Over 15,000 GoFundMe Campaigns, Raise $13.1 Million

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May 23, 2016, 12:00 ET

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GoFundMe, the world's largest fundraising platform, today released new data highlighting the giving community in Iowa. Iowans have started over 15,000 GoFundMe campaigns, raising $13.1 million from nearly 215,000 total donations.

The Des Moines Metro Area, the largest GoFundMe community in Iowa, has created 3,500 GoFundMe campaigns, raising $3.59 million from over 56,000 donations.

Rebuilding RipRoar Kids Tri Series, https://www.gofundme.com/j4pnfegk

Brandon Newton & Family, https://www.gofundme.com/brandonnewton

House Fire Fund for Chad/Chelsea, https://www.gofundme.com/drnrur5g

"Whether it's a child battling cancer, a teacher who needs school supplies, or a member of the community who's fallen on tough times, Iowans always step up. Hundreds of thousands of folks have donated to thousands of GoFundMe campaigns to generously support their friends, family, and neighbors during a time of need," said GoFundMe CEO Rob Solomon.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160520/370479

DES MOINES FAST FACTS:

In total, campaigns located in the Des Moines Metro Area have raised a total of $3.59 million.
The Des Moines Metro Area has created over 3,500 GoFundMe campaigns.
The average donation in Des Moines is $64.
In 2016, nearly 800 GoFundMe campaigns in the Des Moines Metro Area have raised over $940,000 from nearly 14,000 donations.
In 2015, over 1,900 GoFundMe campaigns in the Des Moines Metro Area have raised $1.75 million from over 27,500 donations.

Des Moines Gives Back

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160520/370480

RipRoar Youth Triathlon Series, organized races where hundreds of kids raced through our finish line, breaking the tape and breaking through their fears and limitations.

On December 28th, 2015, the RipRoar trailer was stolen. While some of the items were insured, much of it was not, a hard lesson to learn for a first year business. Michael Zimmerman, RipRoar's Director, turned to GoFundMe. The GoFundMe community took action, raising nearly $26,000.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160520/370481

Brandon Newton was hit by a car on December 15th. Bailee Newton turned to GoFundMe. Bailee created a campaign and said, "We're asking for any donations to help him out with bills and costs while not being able to work. Unfortunately he's in Austin, TX and we're in Des Moines, IA. We don't have the funds to get to him at this time, but with your help we can be there for him as soon as possible. Our Christmas has been put on pause until we are able to be by his side and help him through everything. It would mean the world to us if we could be together in this difficult time.My brother is a hero to me and my favorite person in the world." The GoFundMe community donated nearly $15,000 to help the Newtons.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160520/370482

On Monday, February 8th, 2016, Tyler Cocks received a call from his brother, Chad. Chad, his wife Chelsea and their two boys Caeden and Liam lost everything when their house burned down. Tyler started a GoFundMe campaign to help his brother's family rebuild their lives. The GoFundMe community rallied around Chad, Chelsea, Caeden and Liam and gave them a helping hand during a difficult time.

SOURCE GoFundMe