Rewards
I know we cannot organize any donations etc on WS. I am just posting some info the family of Holly might find useful to raise money for a reward.
Sometimes, local authorities will contribute a reward.
A FB page can have a donate and paypal link set up
A bank account name and address can be shared, for people who want to donate.
Accounts can be set up on websites (I've linked some) like .
Yard sale/auctions/events can raise money.
All the advice I've seen says it really is best/vital to:
Set up a special bank account that at least two trusted people (preferably one being an 'authority figure') need to put their sigs on before money is released.
It has to be made absolutely clear to donors where money will go. If you tell them it's for a reward then it's used for a search or to support family, it's not good. Keep funds for different purposes separate, or make sure people know in advance, for example, money left over from the reward or never claimed, will go to support family.
Be very careful and consult someone with legal knowledge before you offer a reward. Never offer money you don't already have and never presume that pledges will be honored when it comes to payout time. A reward becomes
a legally binding contract when it is made public and
cannot just be withdrawn. You need to get it right or you could find you have to pay it out without your loved one being found.
Keep perfect accounts of all money that comes in, and where all money is spent. Without it, there can be a public backlash and donations will stop. Watch out for 'helpful' individuals who ask for money to go direct to their paypal etc, and warn donors immediately if you see one springing up.
You may see a lot of links to something called the Carole Sund Foundation that provides rewards. It has closed down and given its funds to Crimestoppers, but not updated their old blog with that info, sadly.
Here are a few links with useful examples etc. Hope it helps. If anyone knows anything I've missed out or got wrong, please say.
http://www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/childismissing/ch6.html
http://www.mysearchmanual.org/Manual-49.html
http://www.**************/projects/missing-person
[url]http://www..com/online-fundraising/
ETA, I see one link isn't allowed. Could be because I linked it to a specific fund. Not sure. It's just another online fundraising site like go fund me. Google brings them all up.
Forgot to say that sometimes local businesses can be persuaded to donate a percentage of a day's profits too. Or even hold a special event/offer for a missing person. I think a wonderful organ recital event might be very appropriate for Holly, and a beautiful gesture.