Sutherland Springs, Tx Donations
Donation protected
Friends and Family,
On November 5, 2017, a gunman entered the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas and changed countless lives forever. We all know the story and the aftermath that followed, as it was the first topic on every news cast and social media outlet. As time passes and the news is no longer breaking news, this tragic event remains front and center for the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. Now that the dust is settling is when the need is at its highest!
Hello, My name is Alan Rivera, owner of Hill Country Tractor in Elmendorf, Texas.
My tractor dealership is about 20 minutes from where this tragic event took place. Needless to say, it hit close to home. You hear about things like this on the news but sometimes it doesn’t sink in, for whatever reason, whether it be because of distance from the tragedy or we live our very busy lives to not notice the impact of such a tragedy. Although our human spirit is moved with many emotions, our minds cannot process the true impact today, tomorrow and into the future. This shooting could not have been any more real or closer to us than what we experienced the day after the shooting. We got the tragic news from a close friend, Maria Ramos, that her half-sister Jo Ann Lookingbill-Ward and two of her three precious children (Brooke, Rylan, Rhihanna) and 1 niece (Emily) were among the dead and injured. JoAnn unfortunately lost her life along with her daughter Brooke and Brooke's cousing Emily. Her son Rylan was shot but fortunately survived after several weeks in the hospital in critical condition and her daughter Rihanna is now left without her mother.
This is just one of the many tragic stories that occurred on that eventful day. This is where I think we can help and that’s why I am writing this note!
This collection of money will be put together and given to the most in need. Many times we give or want to give but we really don’t know if it went to the right place or if it was received at all. After this campaign is over and all monies are collected, our intention is to reach out and find those families most in need. We pray to Our Lord, Jesus Christ that he will guide our decision. Additionally, we will keep you informed as to where these monies are donated.
Update: Rihanna, daughter to JoAnn Lookingbill-Ward who survived, will be the recipient of this collection. Since Rihanna is still under age, I (Alan Rivera, Hill Country Tractor Owner) will be withdrawing the funds and presenting Dalia Lookingbill, her grandmother, with a check that will be used to open a bank acocunt until she becomes of legal age.
I am happy to say that the town of Sutherland Springs and all surrounding communities have come together to help and support one another. The Great State of Texas, with our Governor Greg Abbott, has been a wonderful leader in this time of tragedy along with our State and Local level first responders, and their help is greatly appreciated.
Lastly,
I want to say thank you in advance to Kioti Tractor, our network of dealers and vendors for all their donations at this year’s National Dealers Meeting. You have touched so many hearts in so many ways..
God Bless you and your families..
Respectfully,
Alan Rivera
On November 5, 2017, a gunman entered the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas and changed countless lives forever. We all know the story and the aftermath that followed, as it was the first topic on every news cast and social media outlet. As time passes and the news is no longer breaking news, this tragic event remains front and center for the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. Now that the dust is settling is when the need is at its highest!
Hello, My name is Alan Rivera, owner of Hill Country Tractor in Elmendorf, Texas.
My tractor dealership is about 20 minutes from where this tragic event took place. Needless to say, it hit close to home. You hear about things like this on the news but sometimes it doesn’t sink in, for whatever reason, whether it be because of distance from the tragedy or we live our very busy lives to not notice the impact of such a tragedy. Although our human spirit is moved with many emotions, our minds cannot process the true impact today, tomorrow and into the future. This shooting could not have been any more real or closer to us than what we experienced the day after the shooting. We got the tragic news from a close friend, Maria Ramos, that her half-sister Jo Ann Lookingbill-Ward and two of her three precious children (Brooke, Rylan, Rhihanna) and 1 niece (Emily) were among the dead and injured. JoAnn unfortunately lost her life along with her daughter Brooke and Brooke's cousing Emily. Her son Rylan was shot but fortunately survived after several weeks in the hospital in critical condition and her daughter Rihanna is now left without her mother.
This is just one of the many tragic stories that occurred on that eventful day. This is where I think we can help and that’s why I am writing this note!
This collection of money will be put together and given to the most in need. Many times we give or want to give but we really don’t know if it went to the right place or if it was received at all. After this campaign is over and all monies are collected, our intention is to reach out and find those families most in need. We pray to Our Lord, Jesus Christ that he will guide our decision. Additionally, we will keep you informed as to where these monies are donated.
Update: Rihanna, daughter to JoAnn Lookingbill-Ward who survived, will be the recipient of this collection. Since Rihanna is still under age, I (Alan Rivera, Hill Country Tractor Owner) will be withdrawing the funds and presenting Dalia Lookingbill, her grandmother, with a check that will be used to open a bank acocunt until she becomes of legal age.
I am happy to say that the town of Sutherland Springs and all surrounding communities have come together to help and support one another. The Great State of Texas, with our Governor Greg Abbott, has been a wonderful leader in this time of tragedy along with our State and Local level first responders, and their help is greatly appreciated.
Lastly,
I want to say thank you in advance to Kioti Tractor, our network of dealers and vendors for all their donations at this year’s National Dealers Meeting. You have touched so many hearts in so many ways..
God Bless you and your families..
Respectfully,
Alan Rivera
Give $1,500 to help get this fundraiser to its goal
Organizer
Alan Rivera
Organizer
Elmendorf, TX
