Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

Libby Ritchie (team 393), Taylor and Ryan were involved in a serious car accident April 8th. They are the family of Scott Ritchie (team 234). The family is recovering well, Ryan and Libby have both been released from the hospital. Libby will be in a wheelchair / walker for several weeks but is able to get around. Taylor is continuing to recover at the hospital and should be released in the next few weeks.

The family also just suffered another serious set-back with a house fire on May 9th. No one was injured but there is major damage from the fire, smoke and water. They will be out of their home for 4 - 6 months.

Many people have asked how they can help.

To help the family with financial needs during their recovery and transition, a trust fund has been established with National City Bank in Greenfield, IN. The family will have access to any funds contributed to help with immediate needs. Financial contributions can be made to the bank at the following address:

National City Bank, Greenfield
Scott Ritchie for the Ritchie Fund Account
1503 N State Street
Greenfield, Indiana 46140


attn: Rita Moore, account liason.
(317) 467-8303 ext. 221


for questions, please contact Marci Cochran (team 447), Chris Fultz (team 234) , Andy Baker (team 45) or David Kelly (IndianaFIRST).

Ritchie Family Trust
 

I am posting this on behalf of MarciCochran447 (Team 447 Leader) at her request.

You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.
- unknown

Re: Ritchie Family Trust
 

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Ritchie family. It is sad that so many horrible things have occurred to such a fantastic group of people in so short a time.

Hopefully they can recover from yet another setback as soon as possible.

I'm glad to see we can do something to help them.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

My condolences to the Ritchies. It is just hard to hear about such great people having devastating events take place to their family. I couldn't imagine how they are feeling right now. I will see what our team can do to contribute to the fund. Hopefully we can raise enough money to make a difference in helping them cope with the costs that they will have to deal with after this is all said and done.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

Thanks for letting us know how we can help, Chris.

It amazes me that such horrible things can happen to such good people; my sincere condolences go out to the Ritchie family.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

I have a question.

I don't have checks, and I very very recently got a debit card and don't know how to transfer.

Could someone please give information, in some form, or direct me to an easier way to transfer than writing a check to an account?

I really want to help, but don't know how.

- Genia

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

Just hearing of this made me cringe, after hearing everything about what's happened to the Ritchie family. It doesn't help when I realize that this has all happened since the Florida Regional (week 2, if that gives you a gauge). It really does make you realize just how quickly things can change.

Even though I can't help right now (the summer job hunt continues), I'll sure be thinking about them. <edit>I mentioned it on 1293's message board, too.</edit>

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

I'd contact Chris Fultz, or call Rita (mentioned in Chris Fultz's post) and they probably can help you out in one way or another to get the funds transferred.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

Genia,

You should be able to get a cashiers check ("A check which cannot bounce because a customer pays the bank for the amount of the check upfront. The bank then writes a check to whomever the customer requests") from your bank ... usually they charge a small fee to process it - mine charges $1. From there, you should be able to mail it to the above address without any problems.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

This is one of the great assets of having an active online community here on this website. People will come forward to help out Scott, Libby, Ryan, and Taylor. I just know that fine people out there in FIRST will rise up and help a family who have spent many years teaching, mentoring, coaching and befriending countless people.

Tonight, about 40 people came by the Ritchie house to help clean up and sort through stuff. Fortunately, the bedrooms had only water and smoke damage. However, the roof was mostly gone. The garage, kitchen and dining room were totalled. Late last night, the fire started in the garage with electrical issues related to the circuit breakers. Flames got into the roof and debris began falling into the grarage. At about 2:45am, Libby awoke, thinking that someone was breaking into the house. She quickly realized what was happening and got out with her son. Scott was at the hospital with their daughter.

While this is a tragic time for the Ritchie family, it is also an event when people come together and help their friends. This is a family who has opened their house to students for many years. Now it is time for us to help them.

Andy B.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

I really feel sad when i hear about things like this. It is terrible for any one thing to happen to any family, let alone 2 things. 759 will be hoping for you.
I will be getting a new bank account soon (couple of days) and when its open, i'll send some money from a cheque.

Quick question : Can we post cash ? If so, will the bank take pounds and exchange them? (I would be able to do that pretty prompto.... )

Stephen

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

I have contacted Chris Fultz about setting up a Paypal account which would probably make it easier for some of you send funds.

We all need to come together to help the Ritchie family. They have helped so many and now we will return the favor.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

I dont know what to say after these 2 incidents. I met Scott in Florida when he was here with his team and won the Woodie Flowers Award. This is not something that a FIRSTer would like to hear. I feel horrible. My deepest condolence to the family. I hope everything gets better for you guys.

... Chris thanks for the information.

Re: Ritchie Family Trust Fund
 

From Marci's PM to me "Yes, you can give in forms other than checks." I would contact Rita (in Chris' post) and see the best way to get the money to the bank.