GoFundMe page in Rutgers grad Christina Lee's memory raises $335K for parks, abuse victims

More than $335,000 has been raised for charity in the first week of a GoFundMe campaign for the Christina Yuna Lee Memorial Fund, a campaign in honor of the Rutgers University graduate stabbed to death at her Chinatown apartment in Manhattan. 

Lee was Korean American, and her death, after a string of other violent incidents involving Asian American victims, has galvanized the area's Asian community. More than 300 people attended a funeral Mass for her last Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Palisades Park, where her parents are parishioners. 

When it was established five days ago, the memorial fund's goal was to raise $100,000 for Lee's favorite projects. That target was exceeded in three days, and the campaign now hopes to raise at least $500,000.

"On February 13, our daughter, sister, and friend Christina Yuna Lee was taken from us in a senseless act of violence," Angela Yujin Lee wrote on the GoFundMe page.

"Christina was coming home from a night out with her friends. She walked up the stairs to her apartment and was fatally met by a man with ill intent. Her death is part of an alarming pattern of unchecked, hateful violence against women, namely women of Asian descent and women of color, that can no longer stand without consequence.

"Christina was full of life. She radiated positivity, joy, and love. She supported her friends in everything that they did," the statement read.

Angela Yujin Lee asked people to honor Christina’s legacy and values by supporting the organizations and places that were the most important to her.

The message touched Yunji Lee, 18, a Fordham University student from Tenafly. She donated $200 from her own savings to the fund.

"I was heartbroken to hear about the news," Yunji Lee said in an interview. "I want to spread the word against hate crimes against Asians. I want to contribute to make sure our voice is heard."

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Christina Yuna Lee, 35, was stabbed 40 times by a homeless man who had followed her inside her building, according to New York City police. The alleged killer, Assamad Nash, was charged with murder, burglary and assault.

Police have not labeled the death as racially motivated. But coming amid a rise in bias incidents against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, the killing has prompted renewed calls for protection from the community. 

According to the GoFundMe page, the first $100,000 in donations will go to these organizations: 

Prospect Park Alliance. The park in Brooklyn was Christina Lee’s favorite park in the city, Angela Yujin Lee wrote in her statement. When Christina Lee lived in Brooklyn, she often went there to "meditate, gather with loved ones, and find peace in its wide green expanse. ... We plan to fund the planting of a tree in her name and the installation of a memorial bench."

Womankind. The organization serves survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual violence of all ages.

Planned Parenthood. As a donor to Planned Parenthood, Christina Lee was "a champion of every woman’s right to choose," her family wrote. 

Elizabeth Street Garden. Lee believed in the power of green and open spaces as opportunities for self-realization and exploration. Elizabeth Street Garden was one of her favorite places in New York. She often went there to read, sketch, listen to music and hear poetry. 

SafeWalks. Founded in January 2021, SafeWalks was established in light of the brutal attacks against multiple women at the Morgan L subway station in Brooklyn. SafeWalks matches New Yorkers who feel unsafe while commuting with travel companions. 

The additional funds raised will provide more money to the organizations and others that were important to Christina Lee, the statement said.

Lee's death "has shaken us to our core," her family added. "Nothing will give her back to us. But with your help, we can make the 35 years she spent on Earth mean something for generations to come."

Mary Chao 趙 慶 華 covers the Asian community and real estate for NorthJersey.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news out of North Jersey, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: mchao@northjersey.com