Christine Blasey Ford closes online fundraiser

PALO ALTO » Christine Blasey Ford has closed an online fundraiser created to help her family pay for security and other expenses incurred since September, when she agreed to testify about her sexual assault allegations against then-U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

In an update last week, the Palo Alto University psychology professor thanked the nearly 14,000 people who contributed to the GoFundMe campaign entitled “Help Christine Blasey Ford.” The campaign raised $647,610, or more than four times as much as its original goal.

“Words are not adequate to thank all of you who supported me since I came forward to tell the Senate that I had been sexually assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh,” Ford wrote.

“Your tremendous outpouring of support and kind letters have made it possible for us to cope with the immeasurable stress, particularly the disruption to our safety and privacy,” she continued. “Because of your support, I feel hopeful that our lives will return to normal.”

Ford called the funds a “godsend.”

“Your donations have allowed us to take reasonable steps to protect ourselves against frightening threats, including physical protection and security for me and my family, and to enhance the security for our home,” she wrote.

Funds were also used to pay for housing when the family was driven from its Palo Alto home by death threats and other harassment.

Any funds left over will be donated to organizations that support trauma survivors, according to Ford.

“Although coming forward was terrifying, and caused disruption to our lives, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my civic duty,” she wrote.

“Having done so, I am in awe of the many women and men who have written me to share similar life experiences, and now have bravely shared their experience with friends and family, many for the first time,” she continued. “I send you my heartfelt love and support.”

Kavanaugh, for his part, angrily denied Ford’s allegations that he sexually assaulted her at a high school party more than 30 years ago. The Senate ultimately confirmed Kavanaugh as the 114th Supreme Court justice by one of the narrowest margins in history: 50 to 48. Custom Jewelry Designs Certified Diamonds & Precious Stones Watch & Jewelry Repair Insurance Appraisals Bridal & Engagement Rings Battery Replacement Free Jewelry Inspection & Cleaning Interest Free Layaway Vintage & Modern Watches