When the class of 2008 started planning their 10-year reunion, they never imagined the deadly May 18th shooting would've happened months before. Rachel Lyons, with Alumni Santa Fe Strong benefit, said they need the community's help this year.
“There is no way that we can consciously plan a party when, you know, we have so many friends and family are suffering,” said Lyons.
She said some of the victims still face more than $250,000 in medical expenses with a long physical and emotional recovery ahead.
“We are focusing on the 23 that were affected the day. The ones that passed, as well as the ones that were injured,” said Lyons.
She said all of the money will go directly to the victims and families to help pay for ongoing expenses, including medical bills, service animals and therapy.
“Just knowing that everything that’s happened, people coming out and showing their support, just means the world to us,” said Lyons. “We made it through the flooding with Hurricane Harvey and we’ll make it through this, as well.”
After everything is paid for, the profits will be equally divided and checks cut to the 23 victims, or their families.
Kendra Scott will host a “Kendra Gives Back” party at their Baybrook Mall location tomorrow from 4-7 pm, to benefit the victim’s fund. They’ve made a special #SantaFeStrong necklace, and the 30 percent of the sales from this and everything else in the store will go to the victims and families.
To learn more, visit the group’s Facebook page.
Sunday, July 15
11 am to 10 pm
Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, Inc.
#10 Jack Brooks Park
Hwy 6
Hitchcock, Texas 77563