August 30th, 2010

Fundraiser for the Sannar family

Update: News stories have been posted below.

Yesterday, a husband, father of six young sons, and LDS Bishop was murdered inside the chapel in which he was serving. In response to this tragic event, I established a fundraiser to help raise money for the family.

My mother and I distributed the link to friends and family, with an initial goal of $2,000. That goal was met within four hours, and has steadily been increased since then as the response has now become overwhelming. I have spent the entire morning today talking to reporters and answering questions about this fundraising effort.

Some have wondered if I am a scammer hoping to fly off to Hawaii with the money. Those who know me personally, frequent this blog, or follow me through Facebook or Twitter have thankfully stepped in to vouch for my integrity and sincere intent. 100% of the funds received are being sent directly to the Sannar family, to be used at their discretion.

I have been absolutely amazed and humbled by this. I was not looking to be in the middle of this initiative, nor do I have the desire for any limelight. I simply wanted to raise a few dollars that could be sent as an expression of love and support from afar. At the time of publishing this post, we’re now over $17,000 in donations received.

Thank you. Thank you. I am so humbled by good, generous people. I’m sure that for some, this effort has restored some semblance of faith in humanity, and our collective ability as Latter-day Saints to succor those in need.

If you can, please donate, and help spread the word.

———

Here are some of the news stories and blog posts that have been produced:

…and several other interviews, the recordings/articles of which I’ve not been able to find. I don’t know 3/4 of the news agencies I spoke to today. 😛

10 Responses to “Fundraiser for the Sannar family”

  1. Dave P.
    August 31, 2010 at 6:37 am #

    While this may sound like a blanket statement, but if people could feel the same amount of compassion for every murder victim as the amount generated from this sad event, they’d definitely re-think their support for the US actions in the Middle East where all-too many innocent husbands and fathers have been killed in their own “chapels” and elsewhere. The people related to those victims feel the same pain and sadness as this bishop’s family and those who knew him. And even then I can only imagine how those people feel as it’s surely a magnitude much greater than my own as one who didn’t even know the man existed until seeing this post.

  2. Annette L.
    August 31, 2010 at 2:22 pm #

    Connor, Thank you so much for giving the opportunity for so many of us to help the Sannar Family. Most of us don’t know them but felt a sickness when we heard about it. Through you we could help in some small way. Thank you!

    Annette

    PS. I think your mom is amazing !

  3. Dan
    August 31, 2010 at 6:59 pm #

    You did fine here, Connor.

  4. Larry Richman
    September 2, 2010 at 7:38 pm #

    Thanks for the references to the news reports. Great job. Over 1,000 pledges and over $60,000. That’s amazing!

  5. Blake
    September 3, 2010 at 12:48 pm #

    Nice work (and example), Connor.

  6. Amy
    September 3, 2010 at 2:20 pm #

    This is soo awesome! Thanks for doing this!

  7. Eric Checketts
    September 17, 2010 at 9:10 am #

    Over $60,000 raised for a good cause! And to think, it didn’t even require a liberal to pass a law forcing the charitable donations through taxes…

  8. mark st. john
    October 1, 2012 at 8:25 pm #

    Bishop Clay R. Sannar was a lifelong and childhood best friend of mine, growing up in Gridley, California. We started school together in elementary, then jr. high til we ended up graduating together at G.U.H.S. Class of 88. Then off to Ricks (now BYU Idaho). When he went on his mission at 18 to Dublin, Ireland we went our separate ways as I pursued my career in Broadcasting. We always kept. in touch, but as 6 kids came along and we live 2,000 miles apart it was harder to keep in touch like before. I was his best man at his wedding and DJ/MC his wedding reception as a present. Miss you Clay. U were my moral compass as a kid..now as an adult you are my HERO” R.I.P.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Death of Mormon Bishop Prompts Kindness, Donations « MORMON SOPRANO - August 30, 2010

    […] Connor Boyack, a 28 year old LDS husband and father from Lehi, Utah read the news of Bishop Sannar’s death, […]

  2. A Soft Answer · Social media for the win - August 31, 2010

    […] visiting!Most of the time, this diagram sums up my comprehension of “social media.” But Connor Boyack’s use of Twitter and Facebook to promote a fundraiser for the Sannar family has been very impressive. I believe the original goal […]

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