Less than two weeks after the devastating shooting at Orlando’s nightclub, Pulse, nearly 115,000 supporters of the victims have raised over $6.1 million through a GoFundMe campaign, which was launched by LGBT organization, Equality Florida.
Following the shooting, which left 49 dead and 53 injured, the organization took to the crowdfunding platform to raise $2 million for the victims and their families. Within one day, the campaign has successfully secured over $1.6 million.
“We are reeling from the tragic news that a gunman opened fire on the 2am capacity crowd at Pulse leaving 50 people dead and over 50 injured according to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. We are heartbroken and angry that senseless violence has once again destroyed lives in our state and in our country. Gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place and this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety. June commemorates our community standing up to anti-LGBTQ violence at the Stonewall Inn, the nightclub that has become the first LGBTQ site recognized as a national monument. We have received a steady stream of emails and messages from those seeking to help or to make sense of the senseless. We make no assumptions on motive. We will await the details in tears of sadness and anger. We stand in solidarity and keep our thoughts on all whose lives have been lost or altered forever in this tragedy.”
During a recent update, the organization shared its appreciation for those who have given towards the cause:
“Orlando is a hub of diversity, a travel destination, and home to an international community. Scrolling through the contributors, we see that reflected in this campaign as well. With every refresh of the page, we continue to be amazed by the outpouring of love and support from across the world.”
Equality Florida stated that all funds would be distributed among the victims and families. It is currently working with attorneys and the National Center for Victims of Crime to deploy the money in both Chattanooga and Aurora to make sure every one of the victims receive the funds. The campaign also included information for victims and their families through the VictimConnect Resource Center.
Equality Florida is considered one of the largest LGBT rights group in the country. It is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that is based out of St. Petersburg, Florida. GoFundMe announced it had offered up $100,000 to the Orlando shooting victims.
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