A seemingly normal November day turned nightmarish this past weekend when an SUV drove into Waukesha's annual Christmas parade on Sunday, killing at least five and injuring dozens more. The news of such senseless and shocking violence amid a joyous communal celebration sent shockwaves throughout Wisconsin and beyond.
But while we saw humanity at some of its ugliest yesterday, we can show humanity at its greatest in response. Many organizations, restaurants and more are working to raise money and support those affected by Sunday's terrible incident – and we've compiled a list of a few of the places you can patron or donate and help make a difference for those getting through this dark chapter. It can feel helpless seeing these kinds of things happen – but a great way to fight that feeling is to help. Be kind and be well this holiday season.
United for Waukesha Community Fund
The United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and the Waukesha County Community Foundation joined forces to create the United for Waukesha Community Fund, which is accepting money donations for the families impacted by Sunday's tragic events. One hundred percent of the donations will go toward the Waukesha County Community Foundation's efforts to support those affected. To learn more and donate, click here.
Coffee with the Milwaukee Brewers
Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta, manager Craig Counsell, president David Stearns, broadcasters Sophia Minnaert and Bill Schroeder, and more will be at The Back Room at Colectivo, 2211 N. Prospect Ave., from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. to talk baseball over coffee and, most importantly, help gather donations for those impacted by the parade tragedy. Fans are encouraged to bring donations, either cash or check, to the event – with Stearns personally matching the amount raised during the session. All funds will go toward the United for Waukesha Community Fund. The team also asks that, while photographs with the players and team members will be allowed at the event, asking for autographs is discouraged.
Magic of Lights
The team's first Magic of Lights holiday light drive-thru will aim to bring even more light to the darkness. For every car that goes through the display beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Friday, Nov. 26, the Brewers Community Foundation will donate $10, matched by American Family Insurance and Magic of Lights, up to $10,000, to the United for Waukesha Community Fund.
Cream City Concepts fundraiser
On Sunday, Nov. 28, from 3-6 p.m., Oak Barrel Public House – 1033 N. Old World 3rd St. – will host a fundraiser for the families of those impacted by Sunday's tragedy. In addition to playing the Packers game and offering a free food buffet, the event will raffle off prizes and host a 50/50 raffle, with all the raffle money raised going toward Waukesha. One hundred percent of all Tito's, Jameson and Jameon Caskmates purchases will also go toward Waukesha victims, with Cream City Concepts – the company behind Oak Barrel, Third Street Tavern, Who's On Third and more – also making a donation as well. For those who cannot attend but still want to make a donation, click here.
Steny's donations
To help those recovering from this tragedy, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 28, Steny's will donate $5 for all Steny's gear, Bloody mary growlers and $25 worth of gift cards purchased to the United for Waukesha Community Fund. So if you're grabbing gifts and stocking stuffers from Steny's this holiday season, do so during this upcoming weekend.
Verified GoFundMe fundraisers
GoFundMe began a thread of verified fundraisers created for and by those impacted by Sunday's tragedy – including links to fundraisers for the Waukesha South band's medical costs, replacement instruments and more; the Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team's injured members and families; and other victims and families from the incident, all confirmed by GoFundMe as genuine. Click the tweet below, follow the Twitter thread for additional links and place your donations.
Here is a thread of verified fundraisers for those affected by the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.
Our Trust & Safety Team is monitoring our platform closely. We will update this list as more official fundraisers are created to support victims and their families: — GoFundMe (@gofundme) November 22, 2021
The Coop fundraiser
The Coop, found at 350 Delafield St. in Waukesha, will host a fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 26 from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., with 100 percent of the day's sales going toward the Waukesha County Community Foundation.
Donate blood
If you can't donate money, donate blood as tragedies can strain what supply hospitals already have on hand and your contribution can help save a life in need. For information on locations, hours and how to donate, visit Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin's website.
We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support at our Waukesha donor center this morning. We ask for patience with our teams as we respond. If you are not able to donate today, please consider making an appointment in the coming days as blood donors are continuously needed. pic.twitter.com/jb2s11xjtk — Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin (@BloodCenterWI) November 22, 2021
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.
