#gofundme

Bipartisan Group of State Attorneys General and State Charity Regulators Send Letter to GoFundMe: Implications for Charities and Companies On March 3, 2026, a coalition of state attorneys general and charity regulators sent a formal letter to GoFundMe, raising concerns about the platform’s practice of creating donation pages for over 1.4 million charities without prior consent. The letter highlighted several issues, including the display of inaccurate charity information, failure to disclose the use of donor-advised fund structures, misleading claims of charity affiliation, and the inclusion of a default “tip” that benefited GoFundMe rather than the charities. The states warned that these actions could violate state charitable laws and consumer protection statutes, citing problems such as lack of required consent, deceptive practices, and insufficient disclosures. The letter demanded that GoFundMe take immediate steps to address these concerns. Specifically, the states required the platform to prove that all unauthorized donation pages had been removed, confirm that prior consent is now mandatory for charity fundraising pages, and demonstrate that takedown procedures are fully implemented. Additionally, GoFundMe was asked to explain how its search engine optimization practices have been adjusted to prevent charities’ official fundraising channels from being overshadowed by unauthorized pages. The states also called for a comprehensive review of GoFundMe’s policies, including whether to redirect “tips” collected by the platform to the charities themselves. GoFundMe was given 14 days from the date of the letter to respond, with a warning that further investigative requests from interested states were expected.#gofundme #state_attorneys_general #charity_regulators #donation_pages #charitable_laws

Alaska sues GoFundMe, PayPal, others over thousands of unauthorized charity pages Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox announced Tuesday that the state has filed lawsuits against six crowdfunding and charity platforms, accusing them of creating online donation pages for nonprofits without the organizations’ knowledge or consent. The lawsuit names GoFundMe, PayPal Inc., Charity Navigator, JustGiving, Pledgeto, and Network for Good. Cox stated the platforms used publicly available information to generate fundraising pages for over 1 million nonprofits nationwide, including several thousand in Alaska, without obtaining permission from the charities. “Generosity depends on trust,” Cox said in a statement. He warned that some Alaskans may have donated believing they were supporting a specific charity, even though the organization did not authorize the page. The attorney general’s office claimed that unauthorized pages could have led to donors sending money to the wrong charity or receiving less than intended due to fees. The investigation began after Alaska nonprofits reported suspicious fundraising pages appearing online without their involvement. Mark Cucci, a senior assistant attorney general in the state’s Consumer Protection Unit, noted that concerns spread quickly through Alaska’s nonprofit community after reports surfaced late last year. “The nonprofits are a close-knit community here,” Cucci said. “They got together and spread the word about unauthorized donation pages on GoFundMe.” Investigators found similar unauthorized pages on multiple platforms, including sites where donors could contribute to charities without the organizations’ knowledge.#gofundme #charity_navigator #alaska_attorney_general #stephen_cox #paypal_inc

Alaska accuses crowdfunding websites of violating law, using charities’ names without their consent The state of Alaska filed civil lawsuits Tuesday against six crowdfunding websites, accusing them of illegally soliciting donations for thousands of Alaska charities without consent. In complaints filed at Anchorage Superior Court, the consumer protection unit of the Alaska Department of Law said GoFundMe, PayPal, Charity Navigator, Pledgling Technologies, JustGiving and Network For Good each violated the Alaska Charitable Solicitations Act thousands of times. That act, in place since 1993, requires state registration for anyone who seeks donations on behalf of a charity. The suits ask a judge to order the sites shut down the pages devoted to Alaska nonprofits and immediately disburse any donations to those nonprofits. It also asks for “separate civil penalties … of not less than $1,000 and not more than $25,000 per violation.” According to the complaints, the six crowdfunding sites scraped IRS data to obtain the information of thousands of Alaska nonprofits, then set up donation pages for each of those nonprofits without their consent. That scraping was part of a nationwide campaign that encompassed almost a million and a half federally registered organizations. In some cases, the sites charged fees or encouraged “tips” to themselves during the donation process. In many cases, they poured donations into a third-party account and only released donations to charities who stepped forward to claim them, according to the complaints. Attorney General-designee Stephen Cox said the state became aware of the issue after California reporters and state officials began investigating why GoFundMe created donation pages for 1.4 million nonprofits without their consent or knowledge.#gofundme #alaska #paypal #charity_navigator #pledgling_technologies

'Pawn Stars' Corey Harrison Says Dad Rick Isn't Made of Money Amid Medical Bills Corey Harrison, one of the stars of the popular TV show Pawn Stars, has shared details about his recent medical expenses following a severe motorcycle accident in Mexico earlier this year. The incident left him with significant hospital bills, and while his father, Rick Harrison, stepped in to cover part of the costs, Corey has clarified that Rick is not financially able to cover everything. In an interview with TMZ, Corey stated that Rick, the show’s patriarch, “isn’t made of money,” emphasizing that the family’s financial situation has changed since the peak of the show’s popularity. The motorcycle crash, which occurred earlier this year, resulted in medical bills exceeding six figures. Corey revealed that Rick paid at least half of the costs, but the family is now facing challenges in covering the remaining expenses. Corey explained that the family’s income has decreased compared to the show’s heyday, and Rick has additional financial responsibilities, including recent wedding expenses and supporting five other children. He also noted that Rick has long advised him to stop riding motorcycles, a warning Corey acknowledges but has not fully heeded. To help manage the medical costs, Corey has turned to his fans for support, launching a GoFundMe campaign. As of now, the campaign has raised over $6,000 toward an $18,000 goal. Corey mentioned that the accident has left him unable to work, forcing him to seek financial assistance from the public. He also expressed gratitude for the support but stressed his commitment to repaying his father for the help provided. Corey’s comments highlight the ongoing financial strain on the family, even as they navigate the aftermath of the accident.#pawn_stars #corey_harrison #gofundme #rick_harrison #motorcycle_accident

Pawn Stars Cast Member Seeks Fan Support After Motorcycle Accident Corey Harrison, a member of the television show Pawn Stars, is appealing to fans for financial assistance following a severe motorcycle accident that occurred in January 2026 in Tulum, Mexico. The incident left Harrison with multiple serious injuries, including fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a concussion, and internal bleeding. According to the GoFundMe page he created, Harrison was hospitalized for two weeks but left against medical advice due to his inability to afford the treatment. The crowdfunding page details that after a house doctor administered IV fluids and morphine at Harrison’s home, his oxygen levels dropped to dangerously low levels. In a moment described as heartbreaking, Harrison reportedly told those present, “I’m just going to die out here. I don’t have the money to keep paying these people.” The page states that the group could not allow this to happen, prompting him to seek further medical care. Harrison was eventually taken to a hospital in Mérida, where doctors revealed the full extent of his injuries. One rib had completely separated and was pressing against his lung, requiring immediate surgery. Surgeons drained nearly three liters of blood from his chest cavity, and Harrison underwent three operations, spending 18 days in the hospital. The total cost of his treatment exceeded $100,000. The GoFundMe page emphasizes that being on television and part of Pawn Stars does not provide a financial safety net for emergencies. Despite his fame, Harrison now faces significant challenges, including being three months behind on rent, ongoing medical expenses, and the inability to travel back to the United States for continued treatment and family support. As of early March 2026, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over $7,000.#pawn_stars #tulum_mexico #corey_harrison #gofundme #merida_mexico

Bridgerton Season 4 Honors Crew Members Nicholas Braimbridge and Tony Cooper Bridgerton season 4, part 2 concluded its run on Netflix, with the final four episodes released on February 26. The season ended with Benedict Bridgerton’s wedding to Sophie, marking a significant moment in the series’ narrative. Before the post-credits scene, a tribute was shown honoring two crew members: Nicholas Braimbridge and Tony Cooper. This tribute highlighted their contributions to the show’s success and their impact on the production team. Nicholas Braimbridge, a scenic artist, played a pivotal role in creating the visually stunning sets of Bridgerton and its spinoff Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. His expertise in faux finishing, particularly in marbling and wood grain techniques, was instrumental in achieving the show’s signature aesthetic. Braimbridge passed away in May 2025, as noted in a GoFundMe campaign initiated by show art director Alison Gartshore. The campaign highlighted his legacy, describing him as a “delightful, charming, funny man” who was deeply respected by colleagues. He is survived by his two teenage daughters, Flora and Amelia, and was preceded in death by his wife. Tony Cooper, a longtime unit driver, ensured the smooth operation of the production by transporting cast, crew, props, and equipment to and from the set. His role extended beyond Bridgerton, as his career in transportation included work on major film and television projects such as Harry Potter (2009–2011), The Crown (2016–2019), Wonder Woman (2017), the Mission: Impossible franchise (2018–2025), Downton Abbey movies (2019–2022), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and The Batman (2022). His dedication to the industry was a testament to his reliability and passion for filmmaking.#gofundme #bridgerton #nicholas_braimbridge #alison_gartshore #tony_cooper

Bridgerton’s Season 4 Finale Honors Nicholas Braimbridge and Tony Cooper Through Tributes The final episode of Bridgerton Season 4 concluded with a heartfelt tribute to two behind-the-scenes crew members, Nicholas Braimbridge and Tony Cooper, in its closing credit sequence. The dedication read, “In Loving Memory of Nicholas Braimbridge and Tony Cooper,” marking their significant contributions to the production. These individuals were honored for their roles in bringing the opulent world of the Bridgerton universe to life, with their work recognized as integral to the series’ success. Nicholas Braimbridge was a scenic artist who played a key role in both Bridgerton and its spinoff, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. His expertise lay in creating intricate finishes for the grand interiors featured throughout the franchise, including elaborate marbling and wood grain details. Production designer Alison Gartshore, who worked closely with Braimbridge, highlighted his talent and the impact of his passing. She created a GoFundMe page in his honor to support his family after his death in May 2025. Gartshore described Braimbridge as a “hugely talented Scenic Artist” whose work was “exquisite,” noting his years of experience with top-tier interior designers and his dedication to the film and TV industries. She also shared that Braimbridge had recently lost his wife to cancer, leaving behind two teenage daughters, Flora and Amelia. The GoFundMe page remains active, aiming to provide financial assistance to his family. Tony Cooper, the other tribute recipient, served as a unit driver for the production. His responsibilities included transporting cast, crew, equipment, and other necessities between filming locations.#gofundme #bridgerton #nicholas_braimbridge #alison_gartshore #tony_cooper

‘Deadliest Catch’ Deckhand Todd Meadows Dies At 25 Todd Meadows, a deckhand on the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch, has died at 25, according to a Facebook post by Captain Rick Shelford. The statement described February 25, 2026, as the “most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea,” marking the loss of “our brother, Todd Meadows.” Shelford highlighted Meadows’ quick integration into the crew, noting his “love for fishing” and “strong work ethic” earned widespread respect. His cheerful demeanor, including the “sound of his laughter” echoing through the ship, is remembered as something the crew will carry forward. The series, which has aired since 2005, follows commercial crab fishing in the Bering Sea, capturing the dangers of the job through real-life footage aboard working vessels during Alaskan king and snow crab seasons. The show is known for its unfiltered portrayal of extreme conditions, including towering waves, freezing temperatures, and the physical and emotional challenges of life at sea. Meadows, born in 2000, reportedly died in a fishing-related incident while aboard the Aleutian Lady. Meadows is survived by his three sons, his parents, siblings, and extended family. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family, confirming his death occurred while “crabbing out on Alaskan waters.” The fundraiser’s description described Meadows as a “beloved 25-year-old father, son, brother, and friend” who died “doing what he loved.” Paige Knutson, a contributor to the fundraiser, emphasized his dedication to his children, calling them “his entire world” and noting that everything he did was for their “smiles, their futures, and the memories they will carry with them.”#gofundme #todd_meadows #captain_rick_shelford #aleutian_lady #bering_sea