Ramona Harper and husband Adam Ferguson, both from Spring, said they wanted to get the fundraiser going after hearing about Tamina during a news report. By using Facebook Live, the two raised $2,355 and donated 200 pizzas, roses for Mother's Day and an assorted bag of sweets for area residents prior to May 10. Some families also received cash in order to help with prescriptions and purchased food.
Harper said she coordinated with Rita Wiltz, executive director of nonprofit Children's Books on Wheels, to make the deliveries.
"It really took on a life of its own," Harper said. "When I started posting, total strangers started giving money."
Harper was also able to get additional help from Shay Walker, a corporate manager for Little Caesars pizza, who donated the pizzas.
Wiltz brought in volunteers and Ferguson helped deliver the food and money May 9.
Harper said she will be doing another fundraiser June 6, only this time, she will be doing a Facebook and Instagram Live broadcast, featuring area artists and musicians, with the hopes of raising $20,000 to donate to area churches to continue to help the community.
"We wanted to continue to help the effort, and we had people saying they wanted to continue to help as well," Harper said.
