Fund to Help Displaced Sarah Lawrence Student Raises $8,000

Sarah Lawrence College sophomore Thomas Speta recently turned to the crowdfunding website Indiegogo.com to help raise money for his tuition, and as of April 8 he has raised just under $8,000.

Speta says on his page that his parents kicked him out of their home “because of my sexuality, and refused to support me in any way, including education.” He is seeking to finish out the year.

He exhausted efforts to raise $7,500 through loans and other resources, but in less than a week more than 185 people have stepped up to donate enough money to exceed his goal.

And he is overjoyed and thankful.

“I am sitting in awe and amazement at how much has been donated so far. Words cannot express how grateful and humbled I am by this,” Speta wrote on his page. “Thank you all so much, to anyone who donated or shared this, I am blessed to have you in my life. It means so much to me to know that there are people in the world who have love in their hearts, and I am honoured to know them and feel their support.”

Nine days remain on the campaign. For more information or to donate, visit Speta’s Indiegogo page.

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