Lifestyle

GoFundMe tried to get Kilpatrick a pair of homecoming Buffs

May 27, 2020, 9:44 AM by  Violet Ikonomova
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Before it emerged that ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick would remain in jail for the forseeable future, a group calling itself Detroiters For Kwame asked the public to chip in on a uniquely Detroit homecoming gift: A pair of Cartier Buffs. 

The crowd-sourcing effort was inspired by a recent Buff-drive for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. That campaign raised $3,000, but Whitmer kindly declined the Buffs, citing rules against accepting gifts. The money was to instead be donated to a Detroit nonprofit.

"Despite making some pretty big mistakes Kwame Kilpatrick was a Mayor for the people of the city of Detroit," the maker of the Kilpatrick GoFundMe wrote. "Let's get together and show him we are glad he is coming home. We did it for #BigGretch let's do it again for OUR BOY Kwame! Let's welcome him home the Detroit way .....with a fresh pair of Buffs!"

By contrast, Kilpatrick's Buff-drive raised a mere $30 in four days. Now, with the convicted thief hunkered down for what could be the remainder of his 28-year sentence, what will become of the money donated by a Joel Dunn and Jennifer Graham? Will they be reimbursed or will Detroiters for Kwame make off with the cash like their namesake might have?

We've reached out to learn more.

► Update, 10:51 a.m.: The campaign is still on and all donors will "definitely be reimbursed expeditiously" if its $2,600 goal is not met by the end of June. So says Jennifer Graham with Detroiters for Kwame, who evidently donated the first $10 to get the ball rolling.

Update, 10:34 a.m., Thursday: A reader has asked us what "Buffs" are. They're sunglasses by Cartier, nicknamed such because of their buffalo horn frame.



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