KALAMAZOO LOVE #KZOOLOVE
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On Feb. 20, 2016, six innocent people had their lives abruptly taken from them in a mass shooting in Kalamazoo, MI. Two other people are currently fighting for their lives in critical condition. Kalamazoo Love consists of a few members involved in the craft beer community of Kalamazoo. We are Amy Waugaman, Aaron Vanarsdale, and Leigh Ann Theisen. We aren't related to the victims in the traditional sense of the word; but we feel we are all members of our community's family. When we heard the news of this tragedy, we instinctively went into action to try to help and give back. We are raising money for the victims and their families by selling stickers and t-shirts. We will be joining forces with members of the Kalamazoo Community Fund, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, and United Way to ensure the funds raised here will be distributed to the families that need assistance.
Kalamazoo is a unique community made up of people who routinely go out of their way to lend a hand for their neighbor. We see this campaign as an organic progression of the good that thrives in our community and we hope that you will join us in lifting each other up in a positive way and embracing these families with love and brotherhood.
Our point person for the Community Foundations is Thomas Crothers, Vice President of Finance and Investments at the Battle Creek Community Foundation. He was selected by the Kalamzoo & Battle Creek Community Foundations and United Way to handle incoming funds. Below is their description of how they are addressing the issues following the tragedy.
"In response to Saturday’s tragedies in Kalamazoo County, and in an effort to address both immediate and long-term community needs related to community violence, a collaborative group of local nonprofits has established a fund.
Battle Creek Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region will be partnering with area organizations to direct funds to areas of need to help create safer communities now and into the future.
The fund, regional in scope – serving all the communities affected by the tragedy – may include:
• Special financial needs of the victims and their families.
• Community counseling, healing and safety services that address the aftermath of violence.
• Community vigils and anti-violence education events and activities.
• Citizen safety planning and violence preparedness efforts.
• Other activities directed toward reducing violence.
A regional advisory board is being formed to review and decide on the use of undesignated contributions."
Each family is assigned a service agent from a community outreach program. That agent meets with the families to asess their needs during this time and then communicates with the consortium of the Foundations and United Way what those needs cost. At that time, the funds are then given to each family. We have set out to raise funds directly for the famlies and our funds will be divided equally between them. Thomas Crothers is responsible for delivering the funds from the foundations to the assigned agents for each family.
Thank you for donating to these innocent people in need.
Kalamazoo is a unique community made up of people who routinely go out of their way to lend a hand for their neighbor. We see this campaign as an organic progression of the good that thrives in our community and we hope that you will join us in lifting each other up in a positive way and embracing these families with love and brotherhood.
Our point person for the Community Foundations is Thomas Crothers, Vice President of Finance and Investments at the Battle Creek Community Foundation. He was selected by the Kalamzoo & Battle Creek Community Foundations and United Way to handle incoming funds. Below is their description of how they are addressing the issues following the tragedy.
"In response to Saturday’s tragedies in Kalamazoo County, and in an effort to address both immediate and long-term community needs related to community violence, a collaborative group of local nonprofits has established a fund.
Battle Creek Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region will be partnering with area organizations to direct funds to areas of need to help create safer communities now and into the future.
The fund, regional in scope – serving all the communities affected by the tragedy – may include:
• Special financial needs of the victims and their families.
• Community counseling, healing and safety services that address the aftermath of violence.
• Community vigils and anti-violence education events and activities.
• Citizen safety planning and violence preparedness efforts.
• Other activities directed toward reducing violence.
A regional advisory board is being formed to review and decide on the use of undesignated contributions."
Each family is assigned a service agent from a community outreach program. That agent meets with the families to asess their needs during this time and then communicates with the consortium of the Foundations and United Way what those needs cost. At that time, the funds are then given to each family. We have set out to raise funds directly for the famlies and our funds will be divided equally between them. Thomas Crothers is responsible for delivering the funds from the foundations to the assigned agents for each family.
Thank you for donating to these innocent people in need.
Organizer
Thomas Crothers
Organizer
Kalamazoo, MI
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