Updated November 4, 2018
Donations continue pouring in at the gofundme campaign for the Tree of Life Synagogue and the lines have been long for those donating blood.
Alisa Spector Angelo and Sam Angelo started a gofundme campaign for Dan Mead, the police officer who, along with his partner, was the first to confront the shooter at the synagogue. Read more about his amazing story as told by his sister.
And there was this surprise awaiting patrons of Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill:
A few days ago, The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Critical Needs crowdfunding program launched to support organizations assisting victims of the mass shootings.
Under the #LoveIsStronger banner, the program continued until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at www.pittsburghgives.org, the Foundation’s donation portal. Those contributing to one of eight designated organizations during that period had their donation matched by the Foundation – up to $150,000.
It’s a major deal yet just one of many initiatives and programs created by people and organizations throughout the city to help our region in this time of need.
The Green Building Alliance is making their next Inspire Speakers Series event on November 8 free to anyone who registers using the code inspireCOMMUNITY.
Giant Eagle is asking all customers at the register if they want to donate to the Tree of Life campaign.
Wasi Mohamed, who heads the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, spoke at the October 28th vigil, saying, “Anything the Muslim community can do, we’re committed to doing.” The group has since raised over $250,000 for the Jewish community in Pittsburgh.
It was the darkest day in Pittsburgh’s history on Saturday, as Mayor Bill Peduto said at the first press conference following the horrific shooting. But love is so much stronger than hate in this community and the outpouring of support, kindness and generosity has been enormously gratifying and comforting to those of us who know what this city is really all about.
Small business like Millie’s Handmade Ice Cream were sending messages of love with offers of free scoops, and Tazza d’Oro was giving away coffee.
Yoga Innovations in Bethel Park and I am Yoga in Squirrel Hill offered free meditation and yoga classes. Local Motion in Homestead is donating proceeds from their Monday yoga classes as well as accepting donations that day. And Thrive on Health in Brookline is offering free reiki healing sessions, massage and yoga to those affected by the tragedy.
Sports organizations are pitching in, too. The Penguins donated $25,000 to the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh and another $25,000 to create a fund with Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Safety to benefit officers injured yesterday. At Tuesday’s home game they will be taking up a collection for victim’s families.
Throughout the city, people are helping in various ways.
Know someone or an organization doing good for our community in this time of need? Let us know and we’ll include them on this ever-growing list. Let’s keep it going.
