Help the Dancing Grannies after Waukesha Parade

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies have been devastated by four fatalities and two injured and hospitalized in their dance family following the Waukesha Parade Tragedy.

 

At this time, the group is in shock and is mourning their enormous loss. I have been working with the group to help take some responsibilities off their plate so they have the time they need to grieve. (I have included more information about myself at the bottom) All donations through this fundraiser will benefit the families of the three Dancing Grannies and one helper who lost their lives to honor them with memorials. The group will also purchase new costumes, poms, and cover professional counseling of the remaining survivors of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies. I will be withdrawing the funds to my account and sending a check for the full amount of the fundraisers to the treasurer of the Dancing Grannies. Thank you in advance for all of you love and support!

 

If you wish to send a check, they have established a PO Box you can mail to: Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, PO Box 320734, Franklin, WI 53132

 

They also have an account at Northshore Bank where you can donate at any branch and they will be sure it goes to the account.

Thank you to everyone who has been reaching out from across the world. The Dancing Grannies are humbled by your outpouring of love and generosity.

 

Please take a moment to learn more about our members they have lost... (text borrowed from Channel 12 article)

 

Virginia Sorenson, 79

 

Virginia (Ginny) Sorenson was the leader of the "Milwaukee Dancing Grannies."

 

She was a retired nurse.

 

Ginny's granddaughter posted a tribute on Facebook in her honor saying, "my grandmother taught me everything I needed to know in life… so happy and proud to be following in her footsteps as a nurse."

 

She also wrote, "I'll become the best nurse possible in her honor."

 

"We are absolutely devastated," Sorenson's daughter wrote on Facebook.

 

"Everyone who knew Ginny knows she had a special soul, one that radiated with love," family members wrote on a GoFundMe page. "Ginny has impacted so many people’s lives, as we continue to remember and grieve her loss, we are profoundly touched by the precious memories she gave so many people. We’ll forever be grateful for having the time we did with her."

 

Ginny is also survived by her husband, Dave.

 

Wilhelm Hospel, 81

 

Witnesses said Wilhelm (Bill) Hospel was walking in the parade with his wife and handing out water to the "Milwaukee Dancing Grannies."

 

"I am heartbroken to share my Uncle Bill was one of the victims of the Parade Massacre in Waukesha, WI. My Aunt Lola was one of the Dancing Grannies," his relative wrote on Facebook. "She was injured as well, but will be physically ok. Uncle Bill was the youngest of 4 brothers, all of whom live in the Milwaukee area, though the two oldest escape to FL in the winters. They all would get together a few times a year to catch up and reminiscence."

 

Bill was born in Germany.

 

He was also known for helping out at their shows.

 

Bill is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

 

Tamara Durand, 52

 

Tamara (Tammy) Durand was also a member of the "Milwaukee Dancing Grannies."

 

"Tammy was a vibrant, loving and warm woman who we all miss deeply already. Her memory will bring joy to all who knew her," her husband Dave Durand told WISN 12.

 

She worked as a hospice and critical care chaplain.

 

According to WISC News, Tammy saved a homeless man from drowning in the Wisconsin River in 2009.

 

Her husband told The Daily Beast it was Tammy's first time dancing with the other grannies.

 

"She literally danced her way through life. She was the youngest one in the Dancing Grannies. Dancing was her favorite thing," Dave Durand told The Daily Beast.

 

Tammy is survived by her husband, nine children and four grandchildren.

 

Leanna Owen, 71

 

Leanna (Lee) Owen was a member of the "Milwaukee Dancing Grannies."

 

She worked as a manager at Packard Glen Apartments for nearly 10 years, according to CNN.

 

She is survived by several family members.

 

__________

 

My name is Kelly Maddern and I was connected with the Grannies through the Waukesha Police Department. I am the Vice President of Waukesha Citizens Police Academy Association and have been working with members of the police department on various projects and with WCPAA for over 8 years. I have lived in Waukesha for 16 years and love to volunteer for our community.