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A mass shooting at an open-air music festival, Route 91 in Las Vegas, Nevada has killed at least 59 people and injured hundreds more. So many of the people working in entertainment have ties to Vegas – whether through friends in the area, jobs on the strip, aspirations to work there, or even through a set of job duties shared by so many entertainment professionals working in the city. The attack has sent shockwaves through our live entertainment community, marked by a wave of cancellations up and down the Las Vegas strip, and an outpouring of grief from the industry worldwide.
And so, two days after the shooting, you may be asking what you can do now to help the victims and the community. We’ve put together a list of options to guide you in deciding how to contribute.
Make a Cash Donation to a Fund for Victims
Right now, wherever you are in the world, the most helpful thing you can do is donate money. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a short list of credible places that are accepting donations specifically for victims and their families.
Las Vegas Victims’ Fund
The Clark County Commission Chair, Steve Sisolak, started a GoFundMe campaign. According to the page, “Funds will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting .” To donate, click here.
National Compassion Fund Las Vegas
The National Compassion Fund is also accepting donations to support the immediate and long-term needs of victims. They have guaranteed that 100% of the funds received through the National Compassion Fund Las Vegas will be distributed directly to victims of the October 1st shooting. To donate, click here.
Zappos Donation Match
The online retailer Zappos is headquartered in Las Vegas and has started a campaign to help support victims and their families, promising to match donations up to $1 million. To donate, click here.
Consider Also Donating to the Larger Vegas Community
Looking towards the future, the Las Vegas community will need support far beyond the immediate aftermath of the event itself. Consider donating to organizations such as the Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada. To learn more about their mission to provide mental health care to Vegas residents, see their feature in the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Make an Appointment to Donate Blood
For the moment, hospitals have received the supplies necessary to care for the victims. However, in the coming weeks blood banks will be in need of replenishment. So, for those of you in the States, make an appointment now to donate in a few weeks by contacting United Blood Services at bloodhero.com or at 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376) .
Even if you are not in Las Vegas, or even in the U.S., consider donating in your local area. No matter where you are able to donate blood, it will help people in need.
Finally, Please Also Consider What Isn’t Helpful
Don’t donate goods without checking with local organizations about what is helpful and necessary. Too often communities affected by tragedy are inundated with donations that are not helpful and create more work for officials who need to focus on the community. Make sure your donation really counts by checking first, or better yet – donate money which allows for the most flexibility to meet victims’ needs.
Be careful what you post on social media, don’t post any information that doesn’t come from a verified source. Also, be respectful of the victims, their families, and other people who may have been affected by violence. Think before you post any sensational photos of victims.
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Katya Murphy has worked on strategic planning and communications across a variety of fields and is passionate about community building. She also has a love for off-beat theater. Her educational background includes a Masters of Social Work in Community Organization and Planning from Hunter College and a BA in Sociology and Urban Studies. She’s recently moved from New York City to Macau, China on a new adventure!
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