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GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin #64284
08/09/2015 09:46 AM
08/09/2015 09:46 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
Traveler
Barbara  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help support Officer Benjamin's family. This brave young man gave his life to help make St Maarten a safer place for us.
Please share and donate!
http://www.gofundme.com/bh2frtbs

SXM Sponsors
Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64285
08/09/2015 10:23 AM
08/09/2015 10:23 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Thanks very much for posting, Barbara.


Carol Hill
Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Carol_Hill] #64286
08/09/2015 10:40 AM
08/09/2015 10:40 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
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Barbara  Offline OP
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Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
you are welcome, Carol.
donations total over $1500 already

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64287
08/09/2015 10:45 AM
08/09/2015 10:45 AM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,111
St. Maarten/Long Island
SharonfromSXM Offline
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SharonfromSXM  Offline
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Posts: 1,111
St. Maarten/Long Island
Glad you posted this Barbara because I just went to do it. I hope anyone who can give even a small amount will do so. This officer was loved by everyone even the bad boys because he treated everyone with respect. He worked hard everyday to protect tourists & residents from crime. I did get some details of how this happened & the officer was quickly responding to the report of a robbery but what he did not know was the robbery was still happening & he walked right into it. He has a small child & death benefits amount to almost nothing here so anything will help.

Officer Benjamin is the first police officer killed here in the line of duty & I pray he is the last....

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: SharonfromSXM] #64288
08/09/2015 11:52 AM
08/09/2015 11:52 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Sharon, thank you for providing some details. I kept asking myself why a police officer would walk into an active robbery, and you've answered that.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64289
08/09/2015 11:52 AM
08/09/2015 11:52 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
I like to do my due diligence, and this is definitely a legitimate fund for Officer Benji? I always like to make sure the family will truly benefit.
The location indicates Miami, and that it was created by:
Jeffrey Sochrin

Edit.....never mind, I realize this is the radio DJ....took me a while to recall that.


Last edited by BeachKitten; 08/09/2015 11:55 AM.

"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: BeachKitten] #64290
08/09/2015 12:51 PM
08/09/2015 12:51 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
Traveler
Barbara  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
yes it is very legitimate. Jeff Sochrin is the radio DJ and he will make sure the funds get to the family

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: SharonfromSXM] #64291
08/09/2015 12:53 PM
08/09/2015 12:53 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
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Barbara  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Quote
SharonfromSXM said:
Glad you posted this Barbara because I just went to do it. I hope anyone who can give even a small amount will do so. This officer was loved by everyone even the bad boys because he treated everyone with respect. He worked hard everyday to protect tourists & residents from crime. I did get some details of how this happened & the officer was quickly responding to the report of a robbery but what he did not know was the robbery was still happening & he walked right into it. He has a small child & death benefits amount to almost nothing here so anything will help.

Officer Benjamin is the first police officer killed here in the line of duty & I pray he is the last....


Yes, Sharon, he walked right into it. My granddaughter witnessed the entire thing.
and every little bit will help for sure.
Office Benjamin was so well liked and respected and he lost his life trying to keep us all safe

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64292
08/09/2015 01:37 PM
08/09/2015 01:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,697
D
DonLinda Offline
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DonLinda  Offline
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Posts: 1,697
Thank you Barbara.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: DonLinda] #64293
08/09/2015 03:07 PM
08/09/2015 03:07 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
J
january Offline
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january  Offline
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Posts: 1,294
I'm behind this one but I find it so sad that just as in Columbia SC, it takes something this tragic for all factions to come together in a common cause. My heart goes out to all involved.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64294
08/09/2015 03:19 PM
08/09/2015 03:19 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 61
NJSusan Offline
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NJSusan  Offline
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Posts: 61
Thank you Barbara for letting us know how we can help.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64295
08/09/2015 04:15 PM
08/09/2015 04:15 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
S
smalbany Offline
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smalbany  Offline
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Posts: 131
Thank you for posting this. Officer Benjamin will be remembered for his devotion to the people of St. Maarten.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: smalbany] #64296
08/10/2015 09:17 AM
08/10/2015 09:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
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Barbara  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
good morning
The GoFundMe account for Officer Benjamin is now over $5000.00 <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64297
08/10/2015 05:13 PM
08/10/2015 05:13 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
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Barbara  Offline OP
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Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
update: almost $6000 raised!

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64298
08/10/2015 05:50 PM
08/10/2015 05:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
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Barbara  Offline OP
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Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
The Summit Hotel has just donated $500 to Officer Benjamin fund. The support is overwhelming. The fund is now at $6690 and counting.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64299
08/10/2015 06:02 PM
08/10/2015 06:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
How wonderful! I do hope they get at least the $25,000..


Carol Hill
Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64300
08/10/2015 06:28 PM
08/10/2015 06:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
I'm sure there are many business owners who have already done so but how wonderful it would be if more island businesses stepped up and donated in their business names. Kudos to all those who have donated as individuals, but some of the larger island business moguls have to let the police, who are on the job for everyone's benefit, know their labor and their lives are worth supporting. The family of this man needs to know the business community has its back just as it knows the residents and tourists alike are supporting them. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: pat] #64301
08/10/2015 06:49 PM
08/10/2015 06:49 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
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Barbara  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Quote
pat said:
I'm sure there are many business owners who have already done so but how wonderful it would be if more island businesses stepped up and donated in their business names. Kudos to all those who have donated as individuals, but some of the larger island business moguls have to let the police, who are on the job for everyone's benefit, know their labor and their lives are worth supporting. The family of this man needs to know the business community has its back just as it knows the residents and tourists alike are supporting them. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


agreed, pat!

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64302
08/10/2015 09:54 PM
08/10/2015 09:54 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,697
D
DonLinda Offline
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DonLinda  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,697
Moving on up...near $7K now....let's help the family.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: DonLinda] #64303
08/11/2015 06:23 AM
08/11/2015 06:23 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 180
E Yaphank L.I.
S
sunmantwo Online content
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sunmantwo  Online Content
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 180
E Yaphank L.I.
Thank you Barbara, for the link.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64304
08/11/2015 04:58 PM
08/11/2015 04:58 PM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
Angelface Offline
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Angelface  Offline
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Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
I'm trying to access the site, but it's not working for me. Anyone else having that issue? It says the campaign URL I entered can't be found.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Angelface] #64305
08/11/2015 07:34 PM
08/11/2015 07:34 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Suddenly having the same problem. Has anyone received a current status as to the totals to this point?


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: pat] #64306
08/11/2015 08:34 PM
08/11/2015 08:34 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
Traveler
Barbara  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
FB post:
Island 92

TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS TO THE OFFICER GAMALI BENJAMIN CAMPAIGN -

US $8,880 has been raised so far. We are experiencing issues with GOFUNDME and we are currently working to resolve the problem as soon as possible. As soon as the problem is resolved we will notify everyone.

Once again, here are the expanded details of the campaign. Please share this information as appropriate. GOFUNDME has been notified and we are waiting for them to resolve the issue. GO FUNDME requires that all communication be done by email and you can not speak with them on the phone. We are working to get this resolved as soon as possible.

Sint Maarten Police Officer Gamali Benjamin lost his life in the line of duty on August 5, 2015. We have begun this campaign to help support the family of the late Officer Benjamin.

All proceeds will be given directly to the family as we remember an officer and gentleman, Gamali Benjamin through the Gamali Benjamin Foundation established by the Police Department on St. Maarten. Funds will be used for the purposes of caring for the educational and welfare needs of the children of officers who have lost their lives in active service, including the son of the late Officer Gamali Benjamin.

The campaign has been organized conjunction with Island 92 Radio on St. Maarten in the Dutch Caribbean through its US operation.

Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Barbara] #64307
08/11/2015 08:50 PM
08/11/2015 08:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Barbara--OK, not sure I understand all of that and why gofundme is not working, but please do post when there is an update.


Carol Hill
Re: GoFundMe account set up for Officer Benjamin [Re: Carol_Hill] #64308
08/12/2015 10:13 AM
08/12/2015 10:13 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
Traveler
Barbara  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
update FROM Jeff Sochrin Island 92:

FROM OUR COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING THE GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN FOR GAMALI BENJAMIN

DR. SOC received this email from Paul Ellinger of the St. Maarten Police Department. We are working to get the GOFUNDME Campaign reinstated immediately. Rest assured all donations made will be distributed as intended to the GAMALI BENJAMIN FOUNDATION

Please see attached the document from the Notary on St. Maarten regarding the establishment of the Foundation. In addition, please see the email SOC received from GOFUNDME regarding the suspension of the campaign. Once again, we are working to get this resolved immediately.

===
Good Morning

As Promised here is the sign document from the notary’s office to show that the foundation we are setting up is legit. I can assure you we, the police department are closely monitoring the situation very closely.

All monies and or donations collected here and abroad will be channeled through our foundation to show transparency. Our colleague has fallen in the line of duty and we want to do something good not only for him but I the future to be able to help all persons eligible in the uniform services.

Thanks for taking the imitative to do this for our fallen colleague. I am really proud you have our interest at heart. Do have a great day further. See attachment for details….

Sunny regards

Paul Ellinger
====

We are working to get this resolved IMMEDIATELY. Thank you for your patience.


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