Candlelight Vigil

media release:  In response to the tragic school shooting that has deeply impacted our community, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County (BGCDC) is organizing efforts to provide comfort and support during this difficult time.

To honor those affected and provide a space for healing, BGCDC will host a Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, at the Vel Phillips Statue on the State Capitol grounds. This gathering invites the community to come together in solidarity, reflect, and begin the journey of healing.

“As an organization dedicated to serving youth and families, we feel it is our responsibility to step forward and create spaces for connection and healing,” said Michael Johnson, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. “This vigil is one way we can stand with our community and show that we are here to support them during this unimaginable time.”

In addition to the vigil, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is organizing ongoing efforts to address the needs of youth and families impacted by this tragedy. These plans include providing safe spaces for young people to process their emotions, connecting individuals with mental health resources, and collaborating with community partners to provide both immediate and long-term support.

In Attendance: 

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

Michael Johnson, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dany County

Bishop Godfrey Stubbs, End Times Ministries International

Dr Joe Gothard, MMSD school superintendent

Renee Moe, the United Way CEO 

Anthony Cooper, CEO of Focused Interruptions

and additional community leaders

The entire community is invited to attend and stand together in this time of sorrow and hope.

ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DANE COUNTY 

We are a local not-for-profit youth development organization serving thousands of youths in fourteen locations, including 10 school-based sites, three traditional Club sites, and the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. The Clubs inspire kids to dream and teach them the skills to achieve when they are most impressionable through quality programs in five core areas: Character & Leadership Development; Education & Career Development; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. See the impact we make in the life of each Club member here: www.bgcdc.org

a message from United Way of Dane County:

In response to the devastating and fatal shooting at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) yesterday, United Way of Dane County has established the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund. All funds raised will go directly to ALCS to support those impacted by the tragic events.

“Our hearts go out to every student, family and educator who has been affected by this act of violence,” says Renee Moe, President and CEO, United Way of Dane County. “While our collective reality is forever changed, United Way of Dane County stands ready to help our community recover. Please give with your hearts to support our neighbors through this difficult time. Every dollar counts.”  

“We are overwhelmed by the community’s support and grateful for United Way’s assistance,” says Doug Butler, Principal of Abundant Life Christan School. “We will be announcing a transparent process for funds distribution once we understand clearly what is needed and how best to support our families and school.” 

To give, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org or text help4ALCS to 40403. Always be cautious of suspicious websites and check the URL before entering personal information, and never click links in emails or texts from unknown senders.

United Way of Dane County 211 is here to help. Call or text 211 to get connected to resources including mental health supports, warm winter clothes for those evacuated from the scene, finding meals, counseling services and more.

Join us and Boys & Girls Club partners tonight at 6:00 pm at the State Capitol in front of the Vel Philips statue for a candlelight vigil honoring the victims.

A message from Madison Community Fund:

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the epidemic of school gun violence reached our community this morning when a shooter at Abundant Life Christian School took several lives and sent many injured to the hospital. Our hearts are with the students, staff and families of Abundant Life, whose lives have been affected by this tragedy.

MCF stands united in grief with the community as we offer our support to those affected by the shooting. We are coordinating with United Way of Dane County, which has created the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund to support those affected by this event. If you want to make a gift to this fund, text Help4ALCS to 40403.

Or, if you would like to make a gift from your fund at MCF to provide support to the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund, please contact us at 608-232-1763 and we can help.

At a time meant to be filled with joy and light, instead our hearts are burdened with sadness as we confront a tragedy that is all too familiar to families across the country. To mourn and support each other as a community and begin the process of healing, please join us at a candlelight vigil Tuesday,