Donations to Michigan State shooting victims, community top $1.46 million
LANSING — More than a week after a man shot and killed three students and wounded five others on Michigan State's campus, donations have poured in to help pay victims' medical bills and funeral expenses, and to fund scholarships, among other things.
As of Wednesday, more than $1.46 million has been donated from more than 27,000 people to support multiple fundraisers set up by families, friends, area businesses and Michigan State University.
Arielle Anderson of Harper Woods, Brian Fraser of Grosse Pointe and Alexandria Verner of Clawson, were killed when Anthony McRae opened fire at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union Feb. 13. Nate Statly, John Hao and Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez and two other students who have not been named publicly were wounded by the gunman, who later killed himself.
As of Wednesday, three students were hospitalized in serious-but-stable condition, one was in fair condition and the fifth remained in critical condition. Sparrow Hospital has not identified those hospitalized.
Friends and family members have created several accounts to help those close to them with medical bills and other expenses. Donations flooded in and quickly eclipsed modest goals.
"It's a reminder that there are many good people and a lot of love out there and that people want the best for others," said Kim Tobin, vice president of university advancement at MSU. "It's been a gut-wrenching, but also a heartwarming time simultaneously."
Josh Statly announced a GoFundMe for his brother and MSU junior Nate Statly on Wednesday. Within three hours, nearly 1,300 people helped Statly surpass the $70,000 fundraising goal. Josh Statly said his brother remains in critical condition.
Argent Qian created a Gofundme for his roommate John Hao on Saturday. Nearly six hours later, it reached $190,000 in donations. Qian, a spokesperson for Hao and his family, wrote on GoFundMe expressing appreciation for all who donated to Hao's fundraiser. He said Hao is no longer intubated and "does seem calmer now after I told him how much success we gained."
Qian said the donations have eased Hao's stress as he continues to be with family at Sparrow.
Huapilla-Perez's fundraiser amassed more than $260,000 in donations shortly after its creation and now is over $450,000. Her sister Selena Huapilla-Perez published an update on the page expressing thanks to all who donated. The family requested people to donate to, and support, other impacted families.
"It's still hard for us to find the words to say how much your support for our family means to us during this difficult time, but we can start with thank you," Selena Huapilla-Perez wrote.
Verner's family established a fundraiser with Alliance Catholic Credit Union that Keith Burke, vice president of marketing and community relations, said has raised $57,136.38. It will be used for a scholarship for Clawson High School students.
"We, the Verner family, are overwhelmed with the amount of love and support that our friends and family have showed us by donating to Alex's scholarship fund that will benefit students from Clawson for many years," the family said in a statement.
The Anderson family is still collecting donations, some of which will be used to pay for Arielle's funeral expenses. They'd raised $83,100 as of Wednesday.
MSU's Phi Delta Theta chapter is raising money for a memorial scholarship in honor of Fraser, who presided over the chapter. They've surpassed the $75,000 goal.
The university-sponsored Spartan Strong Fund, which interim MSU President Teresa Woodruff said Sunday will pay victims' hospital bills after any shortfalls from other donations, had raised $346,333.63 from 2,761 donors as of Tuesday, according to MSU spokesperson Dan Olsen.
"I work with people who want to give back and support the university," Tobin said. "I'm not surprised because I see it every day and it underscores the generosity and love of humankind. We had a terrible incident, but there are thousands of people who are selfless and caring of us."
Students who are in need of financial assistance can request help through the Support Our Spartans Emergency Fund application. All applicants are vetted through a committee, according to the application.
Tattoo parlor Ink Therapy Lansing raised $12,125 on Sunday during its Ink for MSU charity event. More than 400 people stopped by the shop to receive $40 tattoos and piercings for the event with half the proceeds going to victims' families, owner Corey Warren said. The event continues through this week.
Michigan State advised people on Tuesday to be mindful of where they donate.
In an email sent, the university said it can't verify if proceeds from unlicensed products will go toward the Spartan Strong Fund. So far, Nudge Printing, Colosseum, Underground Printing, Blue 84, CDI Corp., A. Dean Watkins, 4Imprint, Sewing Concepts, Zephyr and Gametime Sidekicks have partnered with MSU to donate proceeds from Spartan Strong sales to the fund.
"Consumers who believe they have seen products or services that do not appear to be licensed by MSU can contact University Licensing Programs at licensing@union.msu.edu or 517-355-3434," MSU said in a press release.
Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at 517-267-1344 or knurse@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @KrystalRNurse.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Donations for Michigan State shooting victims top $1.46 million
