VOICES OF DAVIDSON

[The following letter was sent to News of Davidson by friends and family of Patrick Braxton-Andrew.]

Dear Davidson community and friends of Patrick,

At times like this, people want to help in order to show their support. The family has seen all your words of encouragement and wants you to know that your many contacts and connections were very helpful in the search for Patrick. The yellow ribbons are the visual voice of a town that is grieving for and, at the same time, celebrating the life of Patrick.

Now is the time for the community to honor the family’s wishes for privacy as they plan the celebration of Patrick’s life. It is their moment to reflect on how best to honor Patrick. We will let the family lead and direct us as to what they want for the celebration. They will keep us informed as they move forward.

Thank you for respecting their wishes and for demonstrating such love for Patrick.

Throughout everything you all have been so supportive. As mentioned previously, in lieu of gift cards, meals and other kindnesses, we ask that you consider making a gift to a scholarship in Patrick’s honor. We are working with Davidson College, where Patrick studied and later worked on their study abroad program to Perú, and with E2D where Patrick so readily volunteered his time to help people in his community learn technology skills. 

The college scholarship would support a student to travel or study abroad. The E2D fund would provide funding for programs such as a half-day seminar to teach critical digital skills like online banking, healthcare resources, county-wide services, immigration counsel and, most importantly, creative ways for Latino parents to engage directly with teachers and counselors at the schools.

We can get fundraising going immediately while the details are worked out. 

For Davidson College, you can give online at www.davidson.edu/makeagift and note that it’s in memory of Patrick.

For E2D, here are the two different ways people can direct their gifts: 

Via check, payable to E2D and with PBA (or Patrick) in the memo line: 
E2D, Inc.
PO Box 1299
Davidson, NC 28036

Or online at www.e-2-d.org/donate (under “special instructions,” note PBA or Patrick).

You may also consider asking your employer if they would match your contribution. 

Thank you all again for everything. All of your messages of support for Pat and his family, all of your letters and phone calls to politicians, and all of your ideas and suggestions for getting our message out there and to the right people.