After Waukesha parade tragedy, 'Friendsgiving' opens its doors to all and raises funds for community
Tony Davis' plan for a "Friendsgiving" of 10 to 20 people Thursday became a gathering for anyone needing a sense of community after the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy just days earlier.
Craft Lounge on Main Street in Waukesha became that gathering place Thursday afternoon, its large front windows overlooking the street where a driver just days earlier had torn through the parade, killing six and injuring scores more.
On a nearby street corner were candles and flowers and a sign that read, "Waukesha STRONG!"
"There are a lot of people out there that we just don't want to leave alone after this," Davis, 42, of Brookfield said of his rationale for opening up the event to anyone.
On one side of the room, tables were piled high with items for a silent auction that will benefit the United for Waukesha Fund set up by the city and United Way. Davis estimated about 50 items would be auctioned, including about $3,000 worth of items donated by Blain's Farm & Fleet.
On the other side of the room attendees gathered around the bar ahead of the meal. Some sat at tables in the middle lit with candles.
William Diaz, 55, of Waukesha said he and his 9- and 17-year-old children and wife nearly went to the parade but the children did not feel like going.
He said he lives close to the scene and heard what he thought were squealing tires Sunday afternoon. Then he realized it was screams. Sirens soon followed.
"After it soaked in, sadness, pure sadness," he said of his reaction.
He wanted to come to the gathering Thursday to support the community and to feel the togetherness.
Diaz described the feeling in Waukesha in the days afterward in one word: Strong.
"Everyone is coming together," he said. "It's beautiful."
Among those making a short stop was Kent Korth, 58, of Bristol, who dropped off a television and Kwik Trip gift cards to contribute to the effort. He said he wanted to give back to the people who are hurting and hopefully provide comfort to them.
"Life is a gift we're given one day at a time and that's all by God's grace," he said.
Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: After Waukesha tragedy, 'Friendsgiving' opens its doors to all
