Central Oregon Strong: Fundraisers following Silver Rail tragedy
District, statewide, and family-specific funds have been established following the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon’s grief following the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting is being met with an outpouring of love, support, and generosity.
Many donation links are being shared online, making it difficult to determine which funds are official and whom they support. Here is an overview of several options for people looking to help.
Silver Rail Recovery Fund
The broadest option comes directly from Bend-La Pine Schools, which established a dedicated Silver Rail Recovery Fund.
The district says contributions will support immediate and ongoing recovery needs across the Silver Rail Elementary community. Donors should select “Silver Rail Recovery Fund” on the donation page.
Updates and additional resources are available through the district’s Silver Rail Community Information Hub.
Oregon Community Foundation Rapid Response Fund
The Oregon Community Foundation Rapid Response Fund is another option for people seeking to support the broader Bend community.
The nonprofit says its Central Oregon team is working with local organizations and other funders to direct resources toward immediate and emerging needs, including support for students, educators, families, people with disabilities, and access to mental-health services.
Verified family and individual fundraisers
For people looking to support a particular family or individual, GoFundMe created a centralized Silver Rail relief hub.
GoFundMe says fundraisers included in its crisis hubs undergo review by its Trust & Safety team. The platform reviews information about the organizer, beneficiary, their relationship, and how the money is expected to be used.
The hub will continue to be updated as additional campaigns are verified. Some, but not all, of the current campaigns include:
- Coming Together for the Summer Family, which will help Rhoam Summer’s family cover household expenses as they grieve the loss of the 5-year-old.
- Support Saylor’s Recovery, which will help Saylor Graham-Poarch’s family with medical bills, lodging, transportation, lost income, and other recovery-related expenses.
- Support Ms. Becky’s Healing Journey, which will help Silver Rail educational assistant Becky Drury and her husband with expenses during her recovery.
- Stand With Kaylub: A Father’s Courage at Silver Rail, which will support trauma-informed therapy, mental-health care, and other needs for Kaylub Giamanco and his family.
- Megan Lambert Volleyball Scholarship, established by the Central Oregon Volleyball Club in memory of Silver Rail teacher and coach Megan Lambert. The scholarship will help young athletes participate in volleyball regardless of their financial circumstances.
Local businesses are also stepping up with monetary donations, food, fundraising events, and other forms of assistance. KTVZ News is maintaining a list of community fundraisers and support efforts.
People who are unable to contribute financially can still help by sharing verified fundraiser information, responding to confirmed volunteer requests, offering condolences, and continuing to support the Silver Rail community in the weeks and months ahead.
