Fundraising Campaigns Raise Over $171K for Harkins Family

Two online fundraising campaigns to support the family of the late Sarah Harkins have received an influx of donations from the Fredericksburg and online communities.

The donations have reached over a combined $171,000, and continue to grow. The two campaigns, organized as a memorial fund and as a support fund for Harkins’ children, will provide financial relief for her family following her unexpected death.

Harkins, 32, and her unborn child, Cecilia Rachel, passed away on Monday, July 28, from complications following an allergic reaction to a bee sting. She is survived by her husband, Eric, and four children: Liam, 7; Analee, 5; Jude, 3; and Faustina, 1.

A significant portion of people who donated learned about the fundraising campaigns online. Becca Tann, a donator on the gofundme campaign, wrote well wishes from Italy.

“Just wanted to let you know that I heard about your family through Facebook and my family and I are currently in Rome,” Tann wrote. “I’ve donated and lit candles in honor of your wife and your family at Basilica of Mary Major, Church of Saint Cecilia, and Basilica of Paul outside the walls. Prayers for all of you!”

The campaigns raised over $150,000 in the first two days alone, fredericksburg.com reports.

A Mass of Christian celebration was held Friday morning at 10:30 a.m.