SWFLcommunityFound
A new fund has been set up to help victims of this morning’s shootings at Club Blu in Fort Myers.
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, City of Fort Myers and United Way of Lee, Charlotte, Glades and Okeechobee Counties have partnered to open the TOGETHER Fort Myers fund to assist victims, families and those affected by the tragedy.
“There has already been a tremendous outpouring to our city from across the country sharing their thoughts and prayers and wanting to know how they can help,” said Fort Myers Mayor Randall P. Henderson Jr. said in a statement. “We hope people will help their neighbors in this time of need.”
“Just like the fund we opened following Hurricane Charley, we are reaching out to our community to help Fort Myers heal by making donations to assist the needs of these victims, their families and those touched by this horrific tragedy on our youth,” said Sarah Owen, the community foundation president and CEO. “We will work with our community partner United Way to distribute funds to those impacted by the crisis.”
Anyone wanting access to counseling services can call United Way’s 211 line, which will connect callers with the social service agencies best suited to meet their needs.
Donations to the TOGETHER Fort Myers fund can be made by visiting floridacommunity.com.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi also announced that the state will help pay for funeral expenses and assist surviving victims in covering counseling fees, lost wages, medical bills or other needs related to the shooting. Contact the Fort Myers Police Department.