On August 21st, 2013 I lost my daughter, Sharon Marie Gath, in a tragic accident as a direct result from having Epilepsy. Sharon was only 35 years old. She was a vibrant and beautiful young woman both inside and out. She was also a brave soul. Her infectious smile and spunky attitude left an enormous impact on everyone she met. She left a forever lasting hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved her dearly. Although she did not have a lot of time on this earth, Sharon lived every day to the fullest in spite of her debilitating illness.
To see what we've already accomplished in Sharon's memory, please visit the What We've Accomplished page. We are very grateful and thank you in advance for any and all help you are able to give us. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.
We are currently working on raising money to fund yet another endowed scholarship in Sharon's name that will not only send a child to the Red Wing Roots Academy, a 4 day series of lessons, practice, mentorship, etc. that precedes the Red Wing Roots Festival (put on by The Steel Wheels.. Sharon's favorite band!), but also purchase an instrument for that child to have of their very own.
Ways you can help:
1) Sharon and I started a jewelry business several months before she passed to help her with financial burdens and to keep her creative mind active and engaged. Designs by MoDa (Mother/Daughter.. Sharon's idea), sold unique leather bracelets, necklaces and hand-stamped pieces for almost 10 years, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to her charities and scholarships. The time came to discontinue this path of fundraising for a variety of reasons but we will continue to keep her memory, spirit and loving energy alive more quietly ..
2) Support the "Celebrating Sharon Marie Gath Scholarship" at Framingham State University by sending a tax deductible donation to:
Framingham State University Foundation Inc.
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Framingham State University
100 State Street
Framingham, MA 01702
Please put "Celebrating Sharon Gath Scholarship Fund” in the memo line or in an enclosed note.
This scholarship awards a student with money to help them defray costs in their journey towards their degree in either the Fashion and Merchandising or Music program.
3) You can send a tax deductible donation directly to:
Epilepsy Foundation of New England, Attn: Susan Linn
650 Suffolk Street, #405
Lowell, MA 01854
Please put "Celebrating Sharon Gath Campership” in the memo line or in an enclosed note.
This scholarship awards a child the registration fee to attend the annual weeklong overnight summer camp called "Purple Camp." Children are able to swim, do arts and crafts, zip line, play sports, navigate a climbing tower, paddleboard, kayak and more! The remaining monies go directly to the family to help defray medical or other costs incurred as they see fot.
4) Funds (NOT tax deductible) can also be donated to the Sharon Gath Memorial Fund, c/o Marlborough Savings Bank, 439 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776. Monies received here help support all of the charities as needed.
We support the Red Wing Academy which is hosted by Eric Brubaker of The Steel Wheels as a four-day intensive camp held at Eastern Mennonite University, leading up to a performance on stage with the band at Red Wing Roots Music Festival. The Steel Wheels is a band near and dear to our hearts (see page titled Sharon & the Steel Wheels). We pay for one student to attend this academy AND buy them an instrument they get to keep for their very own..
We also do a lot of 'pay it forward' random acts of kindnesses.
With Gratitude,
Donna Gath Criswell
criswelldonna@gmail.com
To see what we've already accomplished in Sharon's memory, please visit the What We've Accomplished page. We are very grateful and thank you in advance for any and all help you are able to give us. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.
We are currently working on raising money to fund yet another endowed scholarship in Sharon's name that will not only send a child to the Red Wing Roots Academy, a 4 day series of lessons, practice, mentorship, etc. that precedes the Red Wing Roots Festival (put on by The Steel Wheels.. Sharon's favorite band!), but also purchase an instrument for that child to have of their very own.
Ways you can help:
1) Sharon and I started a jewelry business several months before she passed to help her with financial burdens and to keep her creative mind active and engaged. Designs by MoDa (Mother/Daughter.. Sharon's idea), sold unique leather bracelets, necklaces and hand-stamped pieces for almost 10 years, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to her charities and scholarships. The time came to discontinue this path of fundraising for a variety of reasons but we will continue to keep her memory, spirit and loving energy alive more quietly ..
2) Support the "Celebrating Sharon Marie Gath Scholarship" at Framingham State University by sending a tax deductible donation to:
Framingham State University Foundation Inc.
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Framingham State University
100 State Street
Framingham, MA 01702
Please put "Celebrating Sharon Gath Scholarship Fund” in the memo line or in an enclosed note.
This scholarship awards a student with money to help them defray costs in their journey towards their degree in either the Fashion and Merchandising or Music program.
3) You can send a tax deductible donation directly to:
Epilepsy Foundation of New England, Attn: Susan Linn
650 Suffolk Street, #405
Lowell, MA 01854
Please put "Celebrating Sharon Gath Campership” in the memo line or in an enclosed note.
This scholarship awards a child the registration fee to attend the annual weeklong overnight summer camp called "Purple Camp." Children are able to swim, do arts and crafts, zip line, play sports, navigate a climbing tower, paddleboard, kayak and more! The remaining monies go directly to the family to help defray medical or other costs incurred as they see fot.
4) Funds (NOT tax deductible) can also be donated to the Sharon Gath Memorial Fund, c/o Marlborough Savings Bank, 439 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776. Monies received here help support all of the charities as needed.
We support the Red Wing Academy which is hosted by Eric Brubaker of The Steel Wheels as a four-day intensive camp held at Eastern Mennonite University, leading up to a performance on stage with the band at Red Wing Roots Music Festival. The Steel Wheels is a band near and dear to our hearts (see page titled Sharon & the Steel Wheels). We pay for one student to attend this academy AND buy them an instrument they get to keep for their very own..
We also do a lot of 'pay it forward' random acts of kindnesses.
With Gratitude,
Donna Gath Criswell
criswelldonna@gmail.com
