Funds received from over 15,000 donors across all 50 states and 18 countries to support more than 560 victims
Media Contact:
Anna Willkomm, 414-390-5500
awillkomm@muellercommunications.com
WAUKESHA – The United for Waukesha Community Fund launched by the Waukesha County Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County announces it will provide nearly $6 million of supportive funding to more than 560 individuals impacted by the Waukesha Christmas Parade attack on Nov. 21, 2021. Three nonprofit organizations that are serving impacted individuals were also funded, and a five percent fund contingency is being held for unanticipated long-term issues, such as re-hospitalization of victims.
The distribution plan for the United for Waukesha Community Fund was unanimously approved by the fund’s Committee, approving the allocation of funds to claimants in the following categories: families of the six people killed, individuals who were physically injured, and individuals who were physically present at the parade including first responders/other medical professionals treating victims of the attack.
“It was heart wrenching to hear the experiences of individuals and families recounted in the claim review process, and we can’t begin to imagine the kind of pain so many are working through,” said Melissa Baxter, President of Waukesha County Community Foundation. “While nothing can undo the terrible events of that day, we are in awe of the remarkable engagement and overwhelming show of support from our incredible Waukesha community, and thousands of donors across the world to lift up the victims of the Christmas Parade attack.”
100 percent of financial gifts from individual donors will be distributed directly to eligible people that submitted claims between December 10, 2021 and February 28, 2022. Initial disbursements began in December, and all remaining gifts will be sent via check by certified mail on a rolling basis. The fund will continue accepting donations through December 31, 2022, and any remaining funds, including new gifts and the five percent contingency outlined above, will be disbursed to claimants based on criteria outlined in the fund protocol.
“The horrific events of last November will be with our community forever, but as this incredible outpouring of support has illustrated, it will never define our city,” said Shawn Reilly, Mayor of the City of Waukesha. “Instead, our identity is rooted in an unshakeable commitment to come together and help one another, even in the most inconceivable circumstances, and I am truly grateful for how many people have joined us in that unity.”
“The ways we have seen our community step up and show up over the past several months is truly ‘Waukesha Strong’ in action,” added Paul Farrow, Waukesha County Executive. “We draw strength from one another, and in the wake of unspeakable pain, it’s been a privilege to witness the incredible support shown for victims and their families.”
Disbursement Allocations
The families of the six people who lost their lives will receive a total of $200,000 each.
- The families of the six people who lost their lives will receive a total of $200,000 each.
- The 29 claimants who were hospitalized will receive a total of $2,510,000, with individual disbursements depending on the length of hospital stay.
- The 37 claimants who were injured and treated as outpatients will receive a total of $408,000 with individual disbursements depending on short- or long-term recovery.
- The 495 claimants who were physically present at the parade will receive a total of $1,712,597 with individual disbursements depending on claimants’ status as a parade participant, spectator, or first responder.
- Additionally, a private foundation that made a generous fund donation requested that part of its gift be allocated to nonprofit organizations directly serving the mental health needs of victims. Following a separate grant process, three organizations will receive a total of approximately $59,400 among them, comprising less than one percent of total funds raised. These organizations include Wisconsin Hero Outdoors, Family Service and Catholic Memorial.
The Waukesha County Community Foundation is administering the United for Waukesha Community Fund for no fee, and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County has received no funding nor fees from the United for Waukesha Community Fund.
For more information about the United For Waukesha Community Fund, please view our Frequently Asked Questions document.
About the United For Waukesha Community Fund
Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County joined together to create the United for Waukesha Community Fund to support the needs of the families impacted from the tragic incident at the annual Waukesha Christmas Parade. The protocols established by the United for Waukesha Community Fund are based on national best practices and are available on the Waukesha County Community Foundation website. The United for Waukesha Community Fund Committee consists of:
- Paul Farrow, County Executive, Waukesha
- Shawn Reilly, Mayor, City of Waukesha
- James Sebert, Ed.D, Superintendent, School District of Waukesha
- Ty Taylor, President & CEO, Waukesha State Bank
- Shari Campbell, President & CEO, La Casa de Esperanza
- Karin Kultgen, MD, Waukesha County Physician (retired)
- James Moore, Director of Operations, Waukesha County Community Foundation
- Nicole Angresano, Vice President Community Impact, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County