Counterfeiters hit epilepsy research fundraiser in Garden Grove

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- People in Garden Grove are working to undo a terrible wrong. A local family was trying to raise money for epilepsy research when they were hit by a group of counterfeiters.

Four-year-old Finn wears an epilepsy awareness shirt a lot. His mother, Annie Murray, says he wants more people to know about the brain disorder that causes him seizures.

It's a cause his whole family has supported and fundraised for since he was diagnosed at age 2.

"We just feel like it's important for us to give back like people gave to us in those early times," said Murray.

This weekend, the family held their second annual yard sale to raise money for the upcoming Walk to End Epilepsy at the Rose Bowl.

As they were setting up, Murray says two men and two women drove up, picked up about $40 worth of things and handed her two $20 bills.

"Once I felt them and looked at them, I knew they were not real, and at that point I looked up, and they were driving off," said Murray.

In shock from the counterfeiters, Murray posted the story on her Facebook page and several community pages. Then, she says dozens of generous people began to show up.

"Bought a glass of lemonade and gave us $40, or overpaid for items," said Murray. "I said it was $5, and they handed me a $20 instead."

In all, the family raised $958 at the yard sale and several other donations on their epilepsy walk Web page - more than they ever expected.

"It went from being disappointed to being extremely grateful, and seeing that although bad things happen, good can come from it," said Murray.

The Garden Grove Police Department confirmed the bills were fake and said detectives are investigating the crime.

If you would like to donate to Finn's team for the Walk to End Epilepsy, you can do so by clicking on this link: http://efgla.convio.net/goto/teamfightingforfinn.

You can also connect with Finn's team on Facebook: https://facebook.com/fightforfinn.