UNC Frat Bros Defended their Flag. Throw 'em a Rager

John Noonan is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Susan Ralston.

The organizer has currently disabled new donations to this fundraiser.

$516,647 raised

Yesterday

by John Noonan, Organizer

We have been overwhelmed by the sheer force of patriotism on display here. What started as a modest request to buy a few kegs for some great young guys has ballooned into an American cultural moment, with millions of people paying attention: blue and red, left and right, all of the above. Donations continue to pour in. Given the sheer scope of media interest in this story, we are posting this update.

First, people should understand that we organized this fundraiser independently. That has been misreported by certain press outlets. We aren’t brothers ourselves: just Americans who admire young people like the men of UNC fraternities — members from at least eight different houses, by our count, many of whom we’ve now met.

With over12,000 donationsand almost half a million dollars, it’s incumbent on us to disburse the money in a manner that is faithful to our donors’ intent: throwing these great guys a world class party that will echo across eternity. Fraternities will also have input on sending funds to some great charities in their name, foundations that are consistent with the fundraiser's patriotic theme. A transparent independent entity that will include a board of directors, as well as representation from the fraternity organizations themselves, is in the process of being established to keep true to donor intent.

Volunteers have stepped up to process the avalanche of offers to contribute merchandise, entertainment, and more. A professional planner with long experience in managing complex events has been retained to organize and execute the logistics. Outreach has been made to both students and UNC officials to set a party date and venue. But with graduation just around the corner, final exams in full swing, and continued drama on campus, we think it is best to take our time and plan this right.

We've had our fun over the past 24 hours. There is nearly half a million in the bank. That is plenty to throw a killer party and give to some great charities. At midnight, we will close the GoFundMe to donations.

Thank you to Americans of all stripes for their support. Done right, it will truly be "one for the ages" — and will inspire Americans all over again.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/UNC-frat-bros-defended-their-flag-throw-em-a-rager