Taking Care Their Own: Belmar Sets Up Gofundme Page For 'Belmar Angels'

The community of Belmar is coming together to raise money for the "Belmar Angels" - the one girl who drowned on Thursday and the other who is still fighting for her life, Mayor Matthew Doherty said.

Belmar has established a Gofundme account for the families of the two girls, who both attended Belmar Elementary Schoool.

"This is a close-knit school in a small town, so the feeling of loss is impactful and meaningful," the mayor said on the Gofundme page. "Please pray for the families involved, the girl who passed away and the little girl still fighting for her life in the hospital."

The initial goal for the campaign set up yesterday was $20,000. But donations have already surpassed that and were up to $33,000 on Sunday morning. Belmar is also setting aside $20,000 of the proceeds from the upcoming Mayor's Ball for the family, Doherty said.

The two families face enormous financial challenges, he said.

"If we raise another $20,000, we will have $40,000 to split between the two families," the mayor said. "Belmar is a great town, together let's help the families of these Belmar Angels."

Mitzi Hernandez, 13, drowned in the ocean off 8th and 10th avenues on Thursday. Her 12-year-old cousin is still fighting for her life at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Pastor Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Arnister referred to the girls as Mitzi and Emily at a prayer vigil on Friday. Friends of the family identified the drowning victim as 13-year-old Mitzi Hernandez, a student with her 12-year-old cousin at Belmar Elementary School., according to nj.com.

Image: Gofundme Belmar's Angels