[Updated July 25, 4:25 p.m.] For her 9th birthday last month, Rachel Beckwith told people that instead of giving her presents, they should donate to a charity providing clean water to families in developing nations.
The Seattle-area girl came up with $220, short of her $300 goal. She figured she’d try to raise more money next year.
Then came the crash.
Rachel died Saturday, taken off life support at a Seattle hospital three days after she and six other people were injured in a 14-vehicle pileup on Interstate 90 near her home in Bellevue, Washington, CNN affiliate KOMO reported.
But before her death, as word of Wednesday’s crash spread, so did news about Rachel’s fundraising wish. Her church took to Facebook, Twitter and its own website to promote her cause.
As of Monday afternoon, Rachel’s online fundraising page for the nonprofit group "charity: water" had landed more than $130,000 in donations, from more than 2,400 donors.
"Rest in peace knowing that your wish is helping people in ways that you could have never imagined," one contributor wrote on the campaign site.
Ryan Meeks, one of Rachel's pastors, said that "life is coming out of this death, with Rachel's generosity."
"It's inspired many, and it’s been amazing over the last 24 hours," Meeks told CNN's Don Lemon on "CNN Newsroom" Saturday night.
Rachel chose to help the nonprofit group after its founder spoke at her church, Eastlake Community Church in Bothell, Meeks said. On her fundraising page, Rachel explained her goal.
"On June 12th 2011, I'm turning 9. I found out that millions of people don't live to see their 5th birthday. And why? Because they didn't have access to clean, safe water so I'm celebrating my birthday like never before," her fundraising page says. "I'm asking from everyone I know to donate to my campaign instead of gifts for my birthday."
"She cares about other people more than herself," her aunt, Veronica Del Rosario, told KOMO for a story that aired Saturday. "She wanted everyone to give money so that children and parents could have water."
The charity says all of its public donations directly fund water projects. Its 2009 annual report said that in a three-year period, it provided 2,321 clean-water projects, helping more than 1 million people in 16 countries, mostly in Africa and Asia.
The church was scheduled to hold a service for Rachel on Sunday night.
"For a 9-year-old kid, a huge step of faith would be to say, 'Hey, for my birthday, I don't want anything. Give to those who are in greater need,'" Meeks said. "And not everyone’s that mature at 90, and yet here she is modeling for us at the age of 9, how to live that kind of life."
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Ever notice no matter how uplifting and positive a story is, there are always some major jerks eager to find fault and dig out some negativity? I can't imagine what it must be like to live with such a cancerous heart and mind that you can't even simply hear this sweet story and let it just BE.
Too bad the money will never really get to the people that need clean water.
And you know this because? Are you personally involved in the charity? Probably not. You shouldn't just assume things like that.
Please read about this Charity! 100% of the "overhead costs" are donated from other sources. Every penny given goes directly to the construction of wells in a number of different Countries.
I'm an atheist but even I can see that this church is honoring her memory and offering to continue her work. I for one cannot find one thing wrong with that!
Im going to say it because no one else has, does it really take a little girl wanting it to happen, then dying tragically, to get something done? shame on you all.
Unfortunately it does so shame on us all. We never learn until it's too late and too often fail to see that our children have the most to teach us sometimes. Althought her story breaks my heart it also puts a smile on my fact at the same time. What a wonderful little girl.
What I wanted my children to understand about being Stewards this child instinctively understood. She is with the angels! I believe my children get it. God bless them all! Prayers for her parents.
...Why don't we donate money to the "developing nations" right in the middle of the US, the Indian reservations? They rarely have clean water... Oh wait. No one cares about them. Sorry.
I didn't even know water was an issue on reservations. I'm going to check that out
Caring about one cause does not mean ipso facto NOT caring about another...you have a cancerous soul and your xenophobia seethes from it.
How much have you donated to Indian Reservations? Oh wait, so I guess you don't care about them either....
Thta would be YOUR logic....
RIP sweetie. I love your spirit.....
Very well said Lou!!!
out of the mouths of babes. RIP little one
Beautiful story, R.I.P.
I think Rachel meant 300 million. I think it can be done.
I believe it can be done. and keep this little girl dream going and make a foundation of her death. to help others.
Rachel was a kind, gentle, helpful, little girl that always put others first. Thank you all for making sure her legacy will honor her life. Thank you for showing your love and support to this family in their time of tremendous sorrow. Knowing people are praying for them and caring about Rachel's cause is a balm for the aching space that use to be their hearts. Having to explain to her four year old, two 3 year old (twins), and two year old siblings that the light of their life is never coming back to love on them, is enough to make a sane person crazy. With time, love, tenderness, and prayer everyone will be okay. However, a few weeks ago Rachel's dad found out that her four year old brother (her best buddy!) may have a serious health issue. He was to be tested the afternoon of the accident. These are amazing people who respect and love children. Please pray for their current and future mental and physical health. Thanks again.
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My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope Rachel's kindness inspires ALL people to be giving to those less fortunate, even without the catalyst of such a tragedy. Bless her soul.
I saw her photo by accident and almost had a heart attack! She looks just like my little girl McKenna.
Will be praying for her family and for her little brother as well for a speedy recovery. Perhaps folks would find it in their hearts to chip in and help with little brothers medical expenses if need be.
God bless her little soul. Such a giving and selfless heart. I hope her story touches folks more than just monetarily. Just imagine what a better place this would would be if we all would show compassion like Rachel. My heart goes out to all who loved her. What a tragic loss. I know what is like to have to bury your babies and I pray that you hold on to those good memories of happy times together. It helps to see you through the rough spots. God bless the pastor for reaching out and making it possible for the world to see how simple it is for one little girl to make such a big difference
Praying for this sweet family and Rachel's water project. May it her dream continue on for years to come in her honor.
Dear Samantha, What an inspiration your daughter has become with her short 9 years here on earth. You have done a magnificent job raising such a selfless and compassionate young woman. I pray that you are comforted by this movement your little Rachel has started, and I pray that in her name, this movement continues to draw attention to the less fortunate. If only we as a world could raise our children to be more like Rachel, the world would certainly be a better place. I pray for you and your family, in this time of grief, and pray that your little one who learned more in 9 years than it take most people to learn in a life time is in Heaven with our Lord and Saviour...Rachel knew Jesus' number one law, to love one another. From a mother of 3, in Pennsylvania. (Emma 6, Maggie 4, Anderson 3 we are thinking and praying for you)
I heard the story on KLOVE and my heart goes out to the family. I will personally be praying for you. WOW! What a precious, selfless, young lady you raised (quite a REFLECTION of her mom and dad). She will live on in the hearts of many!! God bless you –
It is sad that the girl's life ended so soon. But, her story and great act of kindness is an inspiration.
This child in her short life span, gave more than most who lived much longer. She was such a fine example of humanity and compassion... May her familiy and friends find peace and comfort in her legacy... What a beautiful little angel...
That's so awesome what great. Thing for such a young soul to take on she is such a inspiration I just herd about it this morning n made me cry so but also wish myself n aloft of people I know could b so selfless in life thanks for sharing her story it realy helped me this morning god bless