A new report from the Christian Post has revealed that several fundraisers that came together to help the families of victims of the school shooting that took place in Wisconsin in mid-December that claimed the lives of a teacher and student while also leaving several others injured, has successfully raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in just a three week period. And that’s a beautiful expression of God’s love working through the Body of Christ.
A fundraiser was initially set up on GoFundMe, a crowdfunding website in order to raise funds for the families of the victims who were impacted by the tragic incident that occurred on Dec. 16, 2024. The shooting took place at Abundant Life Christian School in the city of Madison. The GoFundMe campaign raised more than $27,000 out of its goal of $250,000 as of Tuesday this week.
“This money will go towards both families to support funeral costs, loss of wages, support the children impacted for future education along with any miscellaneous expenses that arise,” organizer Andy Eastman went on to say.
He posted an update Thursday indicating that some of the funds will pay for the children of victim Erin West, the teacher killed in the shooting, to go to Disney World. West had planned to take her three daughters to the theme park this spring. The day after the shooting, the United Way of Dane County, which includes Madison, announced that it was establishing the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund to “support those impacted by the tragic events.”
Around 1,440 donors have given a combined total of $240,740 for the fundraiser, Madison365 reported Tuesday. The United Way of Dane County published an announcement Saturday detailing how 66 Culver’s restaurants in Wisconsin intended to donate a portion of Monday’s profits to benefit the families of those impacted by the shooting. The United Way stressed that while the percentage donated at each location will vary, each participating restaurant will display the share of its proceeds that will go to the fundraiser so that customers and potential donors are aware.
Renee Moe, president and CEO of United Way further explained the details behind the United Way fundraiser in a statement that was published alongside the announcement.
“Our hearts go out to every student, family and educator who has been affected by this act of violence,” Moe commented. “While our collective reality is forever changed, United Way of Dane County stands ready to help our community recover. Please give with your hearts to support our neighbors through this difficult time. Every dollar counts.”
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Abundant Life Christian School Principal Doug Butler issued a response to the fundraiser from United Way, saying, “We are overwhelmed by the community’s support and grateful for United Way’s assistance. We will be announcing a transparent process for funds distribution once we understand clearly what is needed and how best to support our families and school.”
The report then concluded by providing a bit of history about the school:
Abundant Life Christian School, Founded in 1978, provides education “in a Christ-focused context” and has around 390 students from kindergarten through the 12th grade.
It’s so beautiful to see God using regular means in a miraculous way, isn’t it? When tragedy like this shooting strikes, we can sometimes get so wrapped up in our grief that we forget to take a look around and see the good things the Lord is bringing out of it. Please, Lord, keep our eyes open and our hearts full of Your love, even in the darkest of times. Amen.