Schools
Mendham Kids 'Rally For Ravi' To Support BlinkNow, Maggie Doyne After Child's Death
Students holding inspirational variety show to raise funds for CNN Hero.
MENDHAM, NJ – Even on the other side of the world, the pain can be felt.
Maggie Doyne, of Mendham, founder of the Kopila Valley Children’s Home and BlinkNow organization, lost one of her youngest adopted children, Ravi, during the holiday season.
Like many children who enter Kopila, Ravi was sick and malnourished when he arrived but flourished during his time at the home. The story of how he came to Doyne is harrowing, which she describes in a blog post from 2014 and can be read here.
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BlinkNow announced the child’s death on Facebook Dec. 30,
saying:
We are very saddened to share the tragic news that Ravi, one of our beloved and cherished children at Kopila Valley, passed away yesterday. Our words cannot begin to express the sadness and grief our family is feeling at this moment. Ravi was the light of our BlinkNow family and his story of triumph resonated with people across the world. Our immediate duty, of course, is to help Ravi’s precious family, Maggie, staff, and volunteers cope with this tragic accident. We appreciate all of your support and understanding during this most difficult time. We will be able to provide more information in the days ahead.
Doyne, who recently won the annual CNN Hero award, which comes with $100,000 to put toward expansion of Kopila Valley, went public with her thoughts on Jan. 2, writing a lengthy post on Facebook, which can be read below.
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Doyne isn’t alone in her pain, though. Her hometown has sprung into action and is holding a fundraiser in Ravi’s memory.
Mountain View School’s Student Council will host a fundraiser, Rally for Ravi, to be held at the school at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12. The rally is an inspiration variety show, with students selling stars with handwritten messages from students, faculty and community members that will go to Doyne and her Kopila Valley family.
Students have been selling tickets and shirts to the rally in advance as well.
To find out more about BlinkNow, go here.
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