Oh... I’m surprised that the official one has a goal. If you didn’t initiate it (only reacting to those unofficial ones that have been setup) I don’t see the need to put down a target number unless it’s a requirement for it.
But if people want to give money that’s completely up to them. You don’t have to contribute if you don’t want to.
It’s a sign of the times.
Given that Botchford was young, I think it is normal for family and friends to help out. I think what GoFundMe does is extend the potential for help to other well wishers. If Botchford was an old man, then that would be different, IMO. But unexpected with a young family, the funeral itself, is probably at least $20,000 (and that's going rather cheap). That alone is a significant, unexpected expense for a young family who might have their current income largely tied up on mortgages, paying car debt, family vacations, cabin, etc. Then, the family has probably roughly planned on his income going forward. Not having that income to now depend upon, the future is scary right now for them... having an extra $100,000 to help with not worrying so much about things like funding child's education, or paying off some debt/mortgage would help ease the mind. $100,000 won't be enough to do anything "fun" with. That is money that helps pay debt or fund child's future. To me, putting down $100,000 is far less than they could have (if they added everything up and tried to forecast what losing Botchford is worth to them, financially). By putting $100,000, to me, is actually respectful to potential donors who they don't know.
In the end, the whole thing sucks... and life isn't fair. Given that it sucks, and life isn't fair, I think it's nice that someone in the family or a friend set that up for Botchford's wife and kids. But there is no rule book or right or wrong here, IMO... it just sucks, so do what you
think is right... and that's it.