Community Corner

See Where Funds For Waukesha Parade Victims Are Going: Community Foundation

Nearly $6 million in donated funds will go to 560 people that were affected by the Waukesha parade disaster, the community foundation said.

Donated funds will go to families of six people who were killed, people who were injured, people who were physically present and first responders at the Waukesha parade event in November 2021.
Donated funds will go to families of six people who were killed, people who were injured, people who were physically present and first responders at the Waukesha parade event in November 2021. (Scott Anderson/Patch)

WAUKESHA, WI — Organizations hosting the United For Waukesha Community Fund announced on Monday plans to give nearly $6 million to people affected by the Waukesha parade disaster.

More than $5.7 million will go to 560 people, including the families of people who were killed, people who were injured, people who were present and first responders who treated the injured at the annual Waukesha Christmas parade, the Waukesha County Community Foundation said in a statement.

A man is accused of ramming his SUV through a crowd of people, killing six and injuring nearly 70 in November 2021. The United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County and the Waukesha County Community Foundation started the fund to support the victims and their families.

Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Here's how the money will be distributed:

  • The families of the six people who died will get $200,000 each.
  • Of those who were hospitalized, 29 people who made a claim will get a shared total of $2,510,000. The money will be divided among each person depending on their stay.
  • Of those who were injured but treated outside the hospital, 37 will get a total $408,000, depending on how long it takes for them to recover.
  • Of people who were physically present for the incident, 495 people will receive a total $1,712,597, depending on whether they were participating, spectating or a first responder helping injured people at the scene.
  • Several mental health organizations, including the Wisconsin Hero Outdoors, Family Service and Catholic Memorial, will receive $59,400 through a separate grant process.

People who submitted eligible claims between Dec. 10, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2022, will get 100 percent of financial gifts from donors, the foundation said in a statement. The first disbursements rolled out in December, and people will get remaining funds through a check in the mail.

Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Donations are open until Dec. 31, 2022, the foundation added. Five percent of the fund will be held for unpredictable issues, like future re-hospitalization for some victims.

“The horrific events of last November will be with our community forever, but as this incredible outpouring of support has illustrated, it will never define our city,” Waukesha mayor and fund committee member Shawn Reilly said. “Instead, our identity is rooted in an unshakeable commitment to come together and help one another, even in the most inconceivable circumstances, and I am truly grateful for how many people have joined us in that unity.”

Foundation president Melissa Baxter said that the engagement and support from Waukesha's community since the parade attack was "remarkable ... and overwhelming."


Related:

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.