GoFundMe for Orlando shooting victims nears $3 million, shattering records

GoFundMe, which has seen its fair share of fake campaign pages over the years, assured visitors to its website that “any funds raised for individuals or families will not be released until the recipient is identified, verified, and vetted”, noting that there are now at least 150 campaigns raising money for Orlando victims – many set up by family members.

In the wake of the shooting, more than 600 people reportedly waited in lines to donate blood-and due to their generosity, area blood centers have reached capacity.

“We are beyond moved by the support from all corners of the world and all walks of life”, she said. GoFundMe also does not, as a matter of policy, release funds to any individual or family until their identity has been vetted.

She also warned donors to be cautious of where they contribute for the Orlando victims, adding that her organization will work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local authorities to ensure that no fraudulent claims are made.

The current goal of the fund is $5 million. “We’re trying to figure out the legal mechanisms to get aid directly to the victims’ families, not just to – not for profits that are going to help them down the road”, Dyer said.

“[The victims’] families are global, and we want to make sure that they can all be here to mourn the loss of their loved ones but also bring their loved ones back home if they need”, Ida Eskamani told CNNMoney on Wednesday.

“Regarding distribution of funds, we are working with a team of attorneys and experts, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, which deployed funds in both Chattanooga and Aurora, to ensure funds are distributed correctly”, the campaign said.

Most of the donations were for $1,000 or less. Over 203,000 have shared the campaign on social media, and some donations have hit $30,000, which came from Executive Pride, which promotes LGBTQ+ rights in business, according to the Sentinel. Singer-songwriter Jeffree Star gave $20,000.

“Our community and the rest of the world has spoken volumes by helping out, and it makes me feel less alone in a world where I’m not always accepted”, Star told CNNMoney. Equality Florida has a landing page with information about those services.

For those of you wanting to help the staff, the Pulse Employee Recovery Fund (*Please note this is not a tax deductible donation.) provides assistance to employees who have been affected by this tragedy and will continue to have monetary needs during our time of recovery.

The campaign’s original target was $100,000, which has since been raised to $5m, and now $7m.