Caring for Dadeville initiative raises over $220K for mass shooting victims, families

DADEVILLE, Ala. (WSFA) - The Community Foundation of East Alabama says its Caring for Dadeville initiative has successfully concluded.

The organization launched the project after the deadly mass shooting at a birthday party in April 2023. Four people died and more than 30 were injured.

The initiative raised a total of $221,326.99. The money was distributed to the victims and their families. It helped cover medical expenses, funeral costs, other financial burdens, and even a handicap-accessible van for one victim.

The remaining funds were divided into a lump sum of $3,895.77 to 28 victims and their families, as well as the owner of the Mahogany Masterpiece dance studio, where the shooting happened.

“I think their message is people are generous, they care, and people are going to be there for them. And this is not going to be just a short term for them. It’s going to affect them for a little while. So if they need to reach out to the faith community, to any of the counselors at the schools, to anybody like that that can be helpful to them, we want them to do that,” said Barbara Patton, president of the Community Foundation of East Alabama.

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