Summers and Anderson Kids Future

On March 13, 2016, we tragically lost two sets of parents, Brook and Heidi Summers and Dave and Jessica Anderson in a plane crash shortly after they took off.  They were my very best friends.

There are many news feeds for this story, in particular, this video from KIDK Journalist and News Anchor, Todd Kunz, is extremely moving  http://www.localnews8.com/video/todd-kunz-place-crash-commentary/38518624 (Please listen to the entire clip).

Brook and Heidi were the parents of four beautiful children.  Dave and Jessica were the parents of three beautiful children.  I have four children of my own and all of them are great friends.  In fact, we were heading on a trip with Brook and Heidi and their kids for spring break.  Heidi was keeping it a secret from her kids that our kids were coming.  We were going to surprise her kids when we all arrived in Mexico.  That will be a memory that will never be made.

There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from people who knew them and people who did not.  Many have asked if there is anything they can do.  I have two requests:

1.  Pray for the Summers and Anderson children who will grow up without their amazing parents.
2.  Help me build these kids a scholarship fund by donating what you can and sharing this tragic story with others who can help.  I request that as you donate, you provide a brief bio on what higher education means to you.  

I am raising money for their kids future and building them their own private scholarship fund and request your generosity to, "Go Fund Them", not me.

According to collegedata.com, the average cost of tuition and fees in 2015-2016 was $32,405.  My goal is to raise enough money so that all 7 kids can attend college for a minimum of four years, ~$907,340.  With inflation and increases in tuition over the years, this is a minimum goal.  I am working with the Executors of each family to establish tax-free growth accounts for each child to which all of the funds will be transferred, spit equally seven ways.

I personally know what it is like to tragically loose a parent early in life.  With great challenges, I paid my own way through college.  As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I value it and want to make it possible for these amazing kids to go without difficulty.

I am aware that a couple of other funds have been established for the children and their to-be guardians for assistance now.  I have chosen to focus this fund on the children's future years from now when these kids will have to face new challenges.  It would bring me some healing to know I have helped in some small way.  I will try to stay in touch with all donors to let them know about these kids future as this is a new chapter in a long story still being written.

I believe we are all guardian angels.  I will be forever grateful for your help and generosity.

With sincere appreciation and in memory of these four amazing people,

Jim Hassman

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