Finley’s Fundraiser: Elevator

Thank you to all those who have, and continue to, support Finley. Your generosity has made a huge difference. While there have been some key breakthroughs, the challenges associated with Finley’s Quadriplegia Spastic Cerebral Palsy continue to grow. Please find out more about Finley’s full diagnosis by clicking here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZFvsHHEHCqcCMcwwae4jPjM1gQ6abx4t/view?usp=sharing).

Matt and Heather are currently in the process of finishing their basement in order to provide Finley an accessible bedroom, bathroom, and long term living space. Having taken equity out of their home, as well as saving towards this goal, they have unfortunately hit their financial limit.

The greatest need for this project is an internal elevator with a cost of $34,765. After much research, the best elevator for Finley is a Telecab Through-The-Floor Elevator. Please see here for the elevator contract/details (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YV-bJy4AsJ19jtQy_WXZpQ4_YRGSGvsa/view?usp=share_link). As we help to alleviate this particular burden, the Sweetmans will be able to complete this entire project.

With this in mind, please consider a gift to help Matt and Heather cover the cost of Finley's elevator. Every gift helps. Unfortunately, programs in Illinois are either not adequately funded, or the Sweetmans do not qualify. Finley is registered with PUNS, but she is not eligible until she is older.

As Finley’s friends, it’s our hope to fully fund this elevator (or get as close to that goal as we can!). We can all help in two ways by *contributing* AND *sharing* this fundraiser to support their family and provide Finley with the access she needs. (Please be sure to review the sharing section below for specific ideas).

Providing for Finley is beyond any one person or one family. Without having family close by the Sweetmans need all the practical help they can get. Matt and Heather can find the help they need with our financial support.

Also, if international contributors have trouble sending gifts, please contact us for further options. Thank you.

SHARING OPTIONS...

Follow: Please follow on social media channels so you can comment, like, and share when you see updates: Instagram.com/finleyshouse, Twitter.com/finleyshouse, and Facebook.com/finleyshouse

Share on Social Media: Sharing the video will be the simplest and most impacting way to spread the word. At the very least make sure to use a photo of Finley from this campaign page. Try a post like this: “Help a sweet nine year old with Cerebral Palsy. Donate & share: finleyshouse.com” Light up your feed! Consider 3-4 posts to keep this in front of people. Repetition is powerful.

Biz/Org Funds: Whether you are a business owner, an employee, or a customer/client, if a business or organization you are familiar with sometimes designates funds for special causes, why not request a percentage of the funds to go towards Finley? Even if it’s not typical, why not ask if they would consider it? For example: retail orgs could ask customers to donate a dollar to Finley upon checkout. What other ideas have you seen?

Personal Email: Don’t be shy about personally casting a wide net on the Sweetman's behalf and reaching out to your family and friends over email. Suggest you include photos and the video if possible. BCC might be best. Suggested subject line: What’s your most recent cause? Consider Finley...

Text Message: If you have two or three friends or family who aren’t on social media, but care about this type of need, why not send them a personalized text message and ask them to help? Let them know what this campaign means to you.

Announcement/Message Board: If you have an appropriate opportunity through work, an organization, or public space, please shine some light on Finley and ask people to participate.

Thanks for taking the time to read through Finley’s fundraiser. Please contact us if you have any questions or difficulties contributing.

Many thanks from Finley’s friends,

Mike and McKenzie Sandusky

Some Extra Details about Mike and McKenzie Sandusky and this GoFundMe:

My wife and I (McKenzie and Mike Sandusky) have been friends with Matt and Heather Sweetman for nearly 16 years. We love this family so much! We are from St. Joseph, MO and I have been the Pastor of Living Hope Church here in St. Joseph since 2011. My wife actually grew up attending this church, and serves in a ton of ways in the church while also homeschooling our 3 children. We have been alongside the Sweetman family since they moved to Chicago back in 2009 to plant the church that became Trinity Church. We love their family so much - and we started this campaign in an effort to help raise extra support and help for Finley Sweetman. All of the money raised here will go to an account with Living Hope Church, and then 100% of the funds from this campaign will go directly to the Sweetman family via their accounts for Finley’s special needs. We love and appreciate everyone who gives to this campaign, and we are excited to be helpful to Finley and the whole Sweetman clan.

For more info about us - check out our profile on our Church's website: https://lhcsj.org/people/mike-sandusky/