Webster Legal Defense Fund
Donation protected
St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church is raising funds to help cover the legal defense and expenses incurred for some dear members, Ryan and Clarissa Webster. When I got to church this morning, our priest pulled me aside and told me the story below and asked me to set up a crowdfunding site. In the Orthodox Church, what the Church does for one member, She does for all members, for we are all one body with Christ as our Head. When one aches, we all ache. When one hurts we all hurt. When a family aches and hurts, we all ache and hurt. But when we bear one another's burdens, we lighten the load for those who are hurting. The Websters are hurting. We are called to see Christ in those we see suffering (see Matthew 25). "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me."
Ryan and his wife, Clarissa (who is currently 22 weeks pregnant), and their 5 children recently traveled to Rochester, NY for the purpose of selling their converted school bus (RV) to a family friend who needs a mobile residence in order to help take care of her mother who is receiving aggressive cancer treatment.
They arrived in Rochester after an exhausting two-day drive (with Ryan driving the bus and Clarissa driving the van full of children) on Thursday evening, June 21. The following morning (Friday, June 22), their youngest child woke up abnormally early and got out of the bus while everyone else was sleeping. She wandered over to a neighbor’s front yard. The neighbor, not knowing who their daughter was, contacted the local police. Long story short, Ryan and Clarissa were arrested and charged with a Class A Misdemeanor for child endangerment. If you knew the Websters personally, you would understand just how ridiculous this charge is. They are the most loving, caring, protective parents you can imagine. They homeschool their children, they teach them manners and courtesy, and the kids are well-socialized, smart, and fun to be around. Their plan was to sell the bus and be back on their trek home in the morning on Saturday, June 23. Now, however, Ryan and Clarissa each have to hire a lawyer to present their cases at a hearing on July 2.
As of now, they do not have custody of their children and cannot legally be alone with them. Ryan is self-employed and they don't have the funds to hire expensive lawyers. That is why I have started this crowdfunding effort. We want to raise as much money as possible to help the Websters pay any legal fees, and whatever other fees they incur. ALL funds raised here will go directly to the Websters. Obviously, while they are stuck in limbo in Rochester, Ryan can't earn his living (he's in construction/remodeling here in the greater Nashville area), and he has jobs that are waiting for his return.
These funds need to be raised immediately so they can hire lawyers. Please give as generously as you can to help the Websters.
Ryan and his wife, Clarissa (who is currently 22 weeks pregnant), and their 5 children recently traveled to Rochester, NY for the purpose of selling their converted school bus (RV) to a family friend who needs a mobile residence in order to help take care of her mother who is receiving aggressive cancer treatment.
They arrived in Rochester after an exhausting two-day drive (with Ryan driving the bus and Clarissa driving the van full of children) on Thursday evening, June 21. The following morning (Friday, June 22), their youngest child woke up abnormally early and got out of the bus while everyone else was sleeping. She wandered over to a neighbor’s front yard. The neighbor, not knowing who their daughter was, contacted the local police. Long story short, Ryan and Clarissa were arrested and charged with a Class A Misdemeanor for child endangerment. If you knew the Websters personally, you would understand just how ridiculous this charge is. They are the most loving, caring, protective parents you can imagine. They homeschool their children, they teach them manners and courtesy, and the kids are well-socialized, smart, and fun to be around. Their plan was to sell the bus and be back on their trek home in the morning on Saturday, June 23. Now, however, Ryan and Clarissa each have to hire a lawyer to present their cases at a hearing on July 2.
As of now, they do not have custody of their children and cannot legally be alone with them. Ryan is self-employed and they don't have the funds to hire expensive lawyers. That is why I have started this crowdfunding effort. We want to raise as much money as possible to help the Websters pay any legal fees, and whatever other fees they incur. ALL funds raised here will go directly to the Websters. Obviously, while they are stuck in limbo in Rochester, Ryan can't earn his living (he's in construction/remodeling here in the greater Nashville area), and he has jobs that are waiting for his return.
These funds need to be raised immediately so they can hire lawyers. Please give as generously as you can to help the Websters.
Organizer and beneficiary
Ted Sherman
Organizer
Murfreesboro, TN
Ryan Webster
Beneficiary