Former Principal of Columbine High School, Frank DeAngelis says public donations will be collected by the Fund to help victims of mass shooting
DENVER- The Colorado Healing Fund (CHF), chaired by Former Colorado Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman and the non-profit organization’s board of trustees, has activated after today’s mass shooting at King Soopers in Boulder. The CHF provides the safest way for people to donate in times of tragedy, ensuring that the funds go to the victims and their families.
“The Colorado Healing Fund was established specifically to support victims of mass tragedy that is the result of a criminal act in Colorado,” said Cynthia H. Coffman. “We stand ready to accept the public’s donations and will work with local agencies and organizations in Boulder to identify and respond to the immediate and long-term needs of victims, their families, and the larger community impacted by today’s tragic events.”
The public can securely donate online by visiting ColoradoHealingFund.org and donating through Colorado Gives; checks and in-person donations will be accepted at Colorado-based FirstBank (1STBank) locations. Donors should make checks out to “Colorado Healing Fund” and designate their donations for “victims accounts” to bank tellers. Donations will be distributed to victims by the Fund’s community partners, including the Colorado Organization of Victim Assistance (COVA).
State and local victim assistance organizations are partnering with the CHF to determine how best to support individuals and families after the shooting. The CHF Board of Trustees has flexibility to authorize funding for a broad variety of victim needs, whether that is a plane ticket or rental car in the short-term, or long-term mental health services.
CHF is comprised of Coloradans with experience dealing with mass violence – including former Columbine principal Frank DeAngelis. The group understands all too well that not only short-term needs, but longer-term mental health support will be critical to victims and their families.
“When the unthinkable happens, you are in such shock that you don’t know what your community needs first,” said Frank DeAngelis. It’s not a marathon, not a sprint. I’m so thankful that CHF can address the emotional needs that come out of a tragedy like this,”
Established in 2018, the CHF is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees that represents a wide range of communities and geographic areas within Colorado. It is also supported by an Advisory Committee comprised of experts in victim advocacy and assistance. More about the non-profit organization can be found at ColoradoHealingFund.org.
For any inquires contact JordanFinegan@coloradohealingfund.org or you can call 720-235-8638