Farrah Soudani Irrevocable Special Needs Trust Press Release
VOLUNTEER RAISES MORE THAN $150,000 FOR FRIEND’S DAUGHTER, CRITICALLY INJURED IN AURORA SHOOTING
Money will help Farrah Soudani pay for her medical expenses and continued care
WHAT: A press conference with Farrah’s mother, Heidi Soudani and Farrah’s father, Sam Soudani, to thank University of Colorado Hospital, doctors, nurses, staff, and the first responders, who saved many lives, including Farrah’s. They will also be thanking the many volunteers and gracious donors, as well as expressing their appreciation to the media for highlighting Farrah’s story. The Farrah Soudani Irrevocable Special Needs Trust will be publicly released.
Participants will take questions regarding the topic of this press conference.
WHEN: Friday, August 17th at 2:30PM. Arrive at 2:00PM MST to be escorted to conference room. WHERE: University of Colorado Hospital, 12605 E. 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045 Please meet Dan Weaver, 720-441-7050, Hospital Media Coordinator at the In-Patient Lobby at 2PM.
WHO: Heidi and Sam Soudani will speak on behalf of their daughter, Farrah. Volunteer Victoria Albright will talk about fundraising efforts and her friendship with the Soudani’s. Michael A. Smeenk, Trust Attorney, will explain the complex Special Needs Trust that has been set up by Victoria Albright to benefit Farrah Soudani. Co-Trustee Jack Butler, who has extensive experience in Trust and Foundation work, will also be in attendance.
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL for questions: Victoria Albright,[email protected], 303-246-5616
August 17, 2012
AURORA – As John Lennon said, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” That’s never been more true for Heidi Soudani, who found a true friend in Victoria Albright.
After Heidi’s daughter Farrah was critically injured during the midnight massacre in Aurora on July 20th, her long-time friend Victoria Albright immediately went to the hospital. Doctors said that Farrah had a long road of recovery ahead. Victoria asked Heidi if she could start a fundraising site for her daughter. Heidi said ‘yes,” and Victoria began to raise money through www.gofundme.com/help-farrah.
To date, more than 6,000 donors, from all over the world, have given more than $150,000 and the amount is still growing! Victoria is now turning over 100-percent of the money raised to ‘The Farrah Soudani Irrevocable Special Needs Trust’, of which Farrah is the sole beneficiary.
“I’m so amazed and inspired by the people who gave money to help Farrah after she was critically injured, even though they don’t personally know her or her mom,” Albright said. “If they did know them, they’d learn that Heidi and Farrah are incredible people who are so appreciative, and are grateful to each and every person who donated money and sent prayers and well wishes for Farrah’s recovery.”
Victoria sought help to set up the complicated Special Needs Trust (SNT) to protect funds exclusively for Farrah, while not disqualifying her from other available assistance programs. A generous donor retained Attorney Michael A. Smeenk of Boulder’s Frascona, Joiner, Goodman & Greenstein, P.C. to create the Trust.
Following the press conference, the registered SNT document will be made available at www.gofundme.com/help-farrah.
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