Detailed Summary of "Reacting to the Most Unhinged GoFundMe Campaigns"
Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Episode: Reacting to the Most Unhinged GoFundMe Campaigns
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host/Authors: Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Produced by: Ramsey Network
Introduction
In the episode titled "Reacting to the Most Unhinged GoFundMe Campaigns," hosts Rachel Cruze and George Kamel delve into the intriguing and sometimes bewildering world of GoFundMe campaigns. They explore both the commendable acts of generosity and the concerning instances of scams and frivolous requests that have surfaced on the platform. The conversation is interspersed with light-hearted banter, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on the nature of giving in the digital age.
Setting the Scene
The hosts kick off the episode by emphasizing the importance of generosity as a core tenet of financial wellness, echoing principles from the Ramsey Plan. They introduce the topic of "Giving Gone Wild," setting the stage for an exploration of some of the most unusual GoFundMe campaigns.
George Kamel [00:05]: "You've heard that it's better to give than to receive, but we might have some caveats. Today we're talking about giving Gone Wild."
As they sip on their signature drink, the "Love Gun," they transition into the main discussion, highlighting both the positive and negative facets of online fundraising.
The Fine Line Between Generosity and Scams
Rachel and George acknowledge the dual nature of GoFundMe ā a platform that can be both a beacon of hope and a breeding ground for deceit.
Personal Anecdote: Funding a Daughter's Education
George shares a personal story about creating a GoFundMe for his daughter's education, which unexpectedly attracted criticism and accusations of seeking unnecessary donations despite his stable financial situation.
Rachel Cruze [01:30]: "Yes. I don't know why you're surprised by this, George. Because you had donation gate at your daughter's birthday for people to fund his daughter's education."
George Kamel [02:00]: "It turned into people saying, I can't believe you're using social media to try to fund your daughter's education. Go fund yourself."
This anecdote serves as a segue into the broader discussion about the normalization of funding various life events through online platforms.
Scam Highlight: Scamanda
The hosts discuss the infamous case of Scamanda, a woman who allegedly faked cancer to garner donations, ultimately leading to FBI involvement due to wire fraud.
Rachel Cruze [04:14]: "She faked cancer, George. This woman faked cancer."
George Kamel [05:29]: "And if you're wrong, that's probably the worst thing to be wrong about."
They underline the severe repercussions of such deceitful actions and the harm they inflict on genuine fundraising efforts.
Spotlight on Unusual GoFundMe Campaigns
The duo reviews several peculiar and, at times, questionable GoFundMe campaigns, providing both critique and humor.
1. Booze, Drugs, Cigs
A campaign titled "Booze, Drugs, Cigs" seeks funds for the creatorās personal indulgence in recreational substances.
Rachel Cruze [07:46]: "This creator said that he's broke and trying to have a lit summer."
George Kamel [08:02]: "He just wanted booze, drugs and cigs, which I don't condone any of those things."
They debate the ethical implications of supporting such a campaign, ultimately questioning the purpose and benefit of funding personal vices.
2. Booking Wrong Plane Tickets
Another campaign involves a woman who accidentally booked the wrong plane tickets for her friendsā wedding in India, seeking $1,200 to rectify the mistake.
George Kamel [08:53]: "The campaign name. I booked the wrong plane ticket. LOL."
Rachel Cruze [09:22]: "She just said she booked the wrong ticket. So we're gonna, we're gonna give her the..."
They discuss the nature of the error and whether it warrants public fundraising, leaning towards skepticism about the necessity and transparency of the request.
3. Big Move to LA
A campaign titled "Big Move to LA" requests $3,000 to move to Los Angeles in pursuit of a career in the entertainment industry.
George Kamel [11:09]: "You needed research for that. You probably shouldn't be in the entertainment industry to Google."
Rachel Cruze [13:04]: "It's 3,000 bucks. Let's get a thousand dollar side hustle."
They critique the practicality of the request, questioning the sustainability and realism of relying on public funds for career moves without a concrete plan.
4. Get Brett to Yoga Teacher Training
A campaign seeks $650 to fund Brettās journey into yoga teacher training, which Rachel and George find particularly questionable.
George Kamel [15:32]: "I am starting this campaign to help raise money for myself so that I may start my journey into yoga teacher training."
Rachel Cruze [18:22]: "This is what that. I'll be honest. That's usually my instructors, like, go to Warrior one Go."
They express doubt about the necessity of crowdfunding for personal professional development, suggesting that traditional income sources should suffice.
5. Burning Man Trip
The final campaign discussed involves a woman seeking $600 to attend Burning Man, which Rachel and George find hard to justify as a genuine need.
George Kamel [20:00]: "So here's the latest GoFundMe. I just pulled it up to see what he's up to. So let's help get Jeff off the streets."
Rachel Cruze [25:45]: "I would pay 600 for therapy."
They contrast this with more meaningful campaigns, highlighting the difference between frivolous and truly impactful fundraising efforts.
Celebrating Success Stories
Balancing their critique, Rachel and George also highlight successful and heartwarming GoFundMe campaigns that have made a positive impact.
Support for Rockstar Pizza Drivers
A notable success story involves a pizza delivery driver who performed a heroic act but only received a $2 tip. A police officer created a GoFundMe that raised over $45,000 in his honor.
George Kamel [30:00]: "He raised over $45,000."
Rachel Cruze [30:39]: "I like that it gives your faith in humanity a little bit."
This example underscores the platform's potential to amplify genuine acts of kindness and community support.
Jimmy Dartsā Generosity
Jimmy Darts, known for his philanthropic efforts, is highlighted for his consistent support of individuals in need through GoFundMe campaigns that often raise substantial funds.
Rachel Cruze [31:35]: "Wonderful guy. And so what he does is he'll go up to people in need."
George Kamel [32:08]: "He raises another 50 to $100,000."
These stories exemplify the positive side of online fundraising, where strategic and heartfelt campaigns can significantly aid individuals facing hardships.
The Importance of Thoughtful Giving
Throughout the episode, Rachel and George reiterate the significance of intentional and informed generosity. They advocate for supporting genuine causes and being discerning donors to avoid enabling unnecessary or deceitful requests.
Rachel Cruze [26:29]: "Studies show that you are a happier person when you give."
George Kamel [27:37]: "You just have to put some sacrifice in work for it, make some money and don't expect everyone else to fund all of your dreams."
They emphasize the balance between generosity and financial responsibility, encouraging listeners to integrate giving thoughtfully into their budgets.
Final Reflections and Recommendations
Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the diverse landscape of GoFundMe campaigns, celebrating the platform's ability to foster community support while cautioning against its misuse. They advocate for fostering a spirit of generosity that enhances both the giver's and receiver's lives, highlighting the personal and societal benefits of mindful giving.
Rachel Cruze [26:32]: "It's the decent human thing to do. When you see people in need."
George Kamel [28:38]: "Let them get the benefit."
They also promote their next episode on dupes, counterfeits, and scams, encouraging listeners to stay informed and vigilant.
Notable Quotes
- George Kamel [00:05]: "You've heard that it's better to give than to receive, but we might have some caveats."
- Rachel Cruze [04:14]: "She faked cancer, George. This woman faked cancer."
- George Kamel [08:02]: "He just wanted booze, drugs and cigs, which I don't condone any of those things."
- Rachel Cruze [15:32]: "I am starting this campaign to help raise money for myself so that I may start my journey into yoga teacher training."
- Rachel Cruze [26:29]: "Studies show that you are a happier person when you give."
- George Kamel [27:37]: "You just have to put some sacrifice in work for it, make some money and don't expect everyone else to fund all of your dreams."
Conclusion
In "Reacting to the Most Unhinged GoFundMe Campaigns," Rachel Cruze and George Kamel provide a balanced exploration of online generosity. They celebrate the heartfelt and impactful campaigns while vigilantly critiquing those that stray into the absurd or fraudulent. Their conversation serves as a guide for listeners to navigate the complexities of digital fundraising, promoting a culture of thoughtful and meaningful giving.
Listen to the full episode here (Note: Link placeholder)