Why the Foundation was formed…
Welcome to The Shane McGee Foundation, founded by Bob and Connie McGee for the purpose of educating and protecting consumers with regards to unsafe, defective products. This kind, community-minded couple – both teachers in the public school system (now retired) – lost their young son in a preventable tragedy. You may read their story and more about their son, Shane, elsewhere on this site.
Today, the McGees wish to honor their son by holding to the belief that losing a single person to an unsafe, defective product is unacceptable, and something that should be prevented from happening again. Yet every day in America, people are injured and even killed by the same negligence or misconduct that lead to Shane’s death. Hence the reason for this website, and the formation of The Shane McGee Foundation.
What the Foundation is…
It took eleven long years to complete the court case that won them a large judgment against the manufacturer of the vehicle that caused their son’s death. The Foundation was formed in 2006, and operates as a self-funded, private organization. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit registered in the state of Florida. It’s primary purpose – to make America safer for consumers.
Unlike the large, national consumer protection organizations such as Public Citizen and the Consumers Union, The McGee Foundation is a small, focused entity that works to drive change at a local level. They will do so by affecting their mission and utilizing activity and communication to further their efforts. Public education and benefit will come not only from this website, but also from charitable activities that the Foundation will engage in, such as safety-focused community events and distribution of free safety equipment for children.
The Foundation is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, including several family members. With this organization, the McGee family has embarked on a grass roots effort to effect change within our communities.
The Foundation’s mission…
The specific mission of The Shane McGee Foundation is three-pronged:
To educate consumers about dangerous products and unethical companies;
To provide a community where victims and their families can pursue emotional healing and wellness;
To drive change within the South Florida community.
This website will help spread and achieve this mission by including editorials, original stories, product warnings, consumer resource links, feature articles, press releases, and ways to take action. Please visit our site frequently, as we will regularly add product safety news and and updates on the foundation.
What are the Foundation’s goals and plans?
Beyond the purpose of education, this website also serves as a forum for others whose lives have been affected by an injury or death that was caused by a defective or unsafe product. It will be a place for sharing these stories and spreading the word so that consumers can know what to look for and how to prevent tragedies like Shane’s death from occurring. We will inform consumers on issues of public policy including product safety legislation, and share resources where additional, similar information can be obtained. Finally, it is our hope and goal that other victims and their loved ones will receive support and inspiration from the existence of this site and The Foundation, to aid them in emotional healing and recovery.
The Shane McGee Foundation – and the McGee family – are focused on public awareness of and education on consumer safety. The Foundation will supply time, monies, and effort directly to this cause, and will play an active role in the South Florida community.