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About Us
Who We Are
The Cristina M. Weir Foundation was established in 2018 as a 501(c)3 organization to honor the life and tragic death of Cristina Marie Weir. Despite being faced with glaring obstacles as an adolescent born and raised in Prince William County, VA, Cristina never wavered from her resolve to set goals for herself and raise the bar each time those goals were surpassed. She knew that the key to beating the odds in life was to focus on her education. Cristina was a model student at Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, VA, and went on to study at The College of William & Mary on a full scholarship. She was a thoughtful and diligent student, colleague, team player, loving daughter, sister and friend.
On July 31, 2017, Cristina was killed in a violent attack while in her apartment in Denver, Colorado at the age of twenty-eight. We formed this organization in her name, so that her dreams and aspirations may live on through the foundation’s recognition of individual students who are driven to achieve but face challenges that make it difficult to thrive at school. It is with each award that we honor Cristina M. Weir, and that we pass on - as a community - the positive reinforcement and encouragement that Cristina received during her own journey.
What We Do
This foundation was formed to help level the "learning field". We are working initially with high schools in Prince William County, VA to help fund special projects and learning opportunities. Many opportunities outside basic curriculum require that students pay a fee, which many families just can't afford. We believe children of all income levels and family demographics deserve the same opportunities as those fortunate enough to participate without struggle, financial or otherwise.
How We Help
The Cristina M. Weir Foundation helps provide positive recognition for outstanding achievements to high school level students. Our goal is to reinforce exceptional efforts by students, and to remind each award recipient that good, hard work is rewarded. We help by funding opportunities such as travel abroad and provide funding for financial awards, to students for special achievements. This world has a lot to explore and discover. This foundation will fuel students' interests and expand THEIR world!
$25.00
Your generous gift will help fund our mission to extend cost prohibitive learning opportunities to underprivileged children. Together, we can make a difference.
Foundation History
Foundation Idea Takes Form
As a result of the overwhelming donations to the GoFundMe campaign created by Cristina's employer Velocity Global, we decided that only death expenses would be used by the fund, and all additional money would be used to form a non-profit organization that would help youth, much as Cristina was helped by others along her journey. This foundation will keep Cristina's memory and spirit alive. We are pleased to be able to bring this idea to reality.
The members of this organization are not financially compensated for their time. All participation is voluntary
We are a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization.
2023 Fundraising Efforts
December 31, 2022: CMWFEE would like to give a sincere thank you for the generous contributions made on behalf of Austin Dwight Ponsart in the wake of the tragic accident that claimed his life. Austin has worked with CMWFEE in the past to organize and manage our fundraiser in Leesburg Va before COVID-19 hampered our efforts. To the family and friends of Austin, we are grateful to have had this young mans friendship, and are honored to receive donations in his name. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/26994137/austin-dwight-ponsart
2022 Fundraising Efforts
December 31, 2022: In-person fundraising is at the forefront of our efforts as we move into 2023!
2021 Fundraising Efforts
December 31, 2021: In-person fundraising halted as a result of COVID-19
We continue to exercise our support of education in Prince William County
2020 Fundraising Efforts
March 14, 2020: 2nd Annual Schmooze and Brews @ https://eavesdropbrewery.com/ 2:00-5;00 PM
2019 Fundraising Efforts
Please join us for our inaugural fundraiser!
March 9, 2019: Schmooze & Brews Inaugural Fundraiser @ Wort Hog Brewery - Warrenton VA
July 1, 2019: Redskins Raffle
2018 Fundraising Efforts
As we lay the foundation for the Cristina M. Weir Foundation for Excellence in Education, we welcome and encourage your input on fundraising efforts for 2019! Please email us your ideas at info@cristinamweirfoundation.org
July - August 2018: School Supply donations
July 31, 2018: Candlelight Vigil for Cristina, City of Fairfax Old Town Square
- Hosted by Pam Ruoff Instagram @pam_r_u_off Twitter @pamruoff
September, 2018: Fantasy Football Fundraiser
Fall, 2018: Backyard "Tailgater" Charity
2017 GoFundMe Campaign
In the wake of Cristina's death, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated, and it's story was this:
"On July 31st, we tragically lost our dear friend, colleague, sister, niece, aunt and daughter Cristina Weir. She was the light of our lives and the skip in our step. Cristina impacted so many people through the years and while she is no longer with us, she will always be with us.
Aside from the huge emotional burden her family is experiencing, the financial toll will be large and difficult to absorb. We ask your help in supporting them through your selfless and considerate contribution.
All additional proceeds will go to providing scholarship opportunities to at-risk youths, which is exactly what Cristina would have wanted.
On behalf of our dear friend Cristina and her family, we can't thank you enough and every little bit helps"
This campaign collected $34,004 of a $60,000 goal, and donations have been received as recently as March 2018.
