Von Maur donates $500,000 to Omaha shooting victims fund

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10213322

Published Wednesday | December 19, 2007
Von Maur donates $500,000 to shooting victims fund

Von Maur officials today announced that the company is making a $500,000 donation to the Von Maur Victims Fund.

It is the largest gift to date for the fund and brings the total raised to $843,000.

United Way of the Midlands, which is administering the fund, also announced today that the families of 12 victims had been sent their first $5,000 payments from the fund. The payments will help with the families' current expenses .

Eight victims were killed in the Dec. 5 shooting rampage at the Westroads Mall store, three victims suffered gunshot wounds and survived, and one other victim received stitches for cuts on his face.

"At a time like this, we're all reminded of how important it is for people and organizations to unite in a common goal of offering comfort and support," said Kathy O'Hara, communications director of United Way of the Midlands. "Von Maur is a valued member of our community, and this gift is greatly appreciated."

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For more information on donating to the fund, go to www.uwmidlands.org.

— Abe Winter