George Donaldson Street Team smashes fund-raising target ten fold

A recent campaign by fans of the late Celtic Thunder star George Donaldson, to raise money for his daughter, came to an end on Sunday – having smashed through its target.

T-shirt for the Sarah Donaldson Education Fund
T-shirt for the Sarah Donaldson Education Fund

The George Donaldson Street Team had run a Booster fundraising campaign in which they sold specially designed T-shirts. The proceeds are to go towards the musical education of the singer’s teenage daughter Sarah.

They had hoped to sell 50 T-shirts and raise nearly $1,000. However, due to Donaldson’s huge popularity the campaign target was smashed to smithereens with 501 T-shirts sold by the closing date – 10 times the target amount.

On top of that many fans made additional donations to push the total even higher.

Campaign organisers Jeanne Smith, Maggie Costello and Holly Ross have expressed their delight at the success and gratitude for the generosity of George’s fans.

They told Irish Music Daily: “The George Donaldson Street Team has wrapped up its fundraising campaign to benefit Sarah Donaldson’s Educational Fund. As of June 2, we have raised $9832.

“$7985 was from shirt sales, and $1847 was additional donations. Also, a tribute and benefit was held on May 10th in Philadelphia, at the Plough n Stars Pub (coordinated by Christine Carney), raising another $2250. Thus far, George’s fans have raised a grand total of $12,082. Another benefit will be held on July 12, at Nolan’s Pub in Cocoa Beach, FL.

“When we were initially discussing shirts, the intent was to have t-shirts that promoted George, while also raising funds for a charity of his choice. After he passed, it only made sense to forge ahead with the shirts and have the funds set aside for his daughter, Sarah. Watching our little team come together, supporting each other, has been an unforeseen benefit. The success of our fundraiser was a team effort, born out of our love and respect for George, his music, and, most importantly, his family. We are all truly thankful and appreciative of those who contributed in any way, shape, or form.

“George was a wonderful man, totally down to earth, who loved his family very much. He loved singing in Celtic Thunder and in solo shows, and it showed onstage. He always took time for his fans, to take photos, sign cds, or just chat a bit. Our wish is for Sarah to grow up to be the woman her
Dad would be proud of. She is a very talented young lady, and we will follow her progress over the coming years.

“Carolyn Donaldson had this to say to our Street Team recently: ‘Hi Everyone. I want to let you all know how much Sarah and myself appreciate all your hard work and kind donations that have been made in George’s name. I cannot express how grateful we are to everyone who has bought a t-shirt,
made a donation towards Sarah’s education fund, purchased a CD or sent messages of sympathy and prayers.’”

The team are considering a rerun of the campaign later in the year.


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By Michael Kehoe

Michael Kehoe is a writer for Irish Music Daily and Ireland Calling. His favourite Irish Music bands are Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Murphys.