Sarah Payne Memorial Fund
Hello, my name is Sebastian Hernandez. I am setting up this fund in the wake of the sudden and tragic passing of my beautiful wife, Sarah JoEllen Payne-Hernandez. On August 8th, we celebrated her life through song, with the Sarah Payne Memorial Concert; where we were able to remember and honor her, and where the audience was left in awe as her voice rang throughout FIU's beautiful concert hall once more.
I would like to thank all of those who made that concert possible, especially Naomi Mercado and Dr. Vindyha Khare for their amazing work in organizing the memorial concert. I would also like to think those who volunteered to usher and perform, those in the audience, and every one else who watched on the livestream, a recording of which is still available here.
I am also grateful to the many people and organizations who have reached out and offered their condolences in these difficult times. Many have also asked for a way to provide financial assistance, which is why I have decided to create this GoFundMe page. I will be using the funds raised to cover hospital bills, memorial services, and other related costs. Remaining funds will then be put towards a named scholarship set up in Sarah's name, to be given to a student vocalist at FIU.
The outpouring of love and support that has come in these past weeks has been something special, it is remarkable how much of an impact Sarah has made on all of our lives. My hope is that she will continue to make an impact on our lives and in her art for decades to come. Thank you everyone for everything.
Below are links where you can find the memorial, other performances, & further information:
https://livestream.com/fiu-som/sarahpaynehernandez
https://www.sarahpaynesoprano.com/