The worst thing we’ve feared as a community since 9/11 has happened. We were attacked. Las Vegas was sadly and involuntarily nominated to join the Sandy Hook, Pulse, Charleston, Aurora, San Bernardino, Ft. Hood, Virginia Tech, and Columbine narrative, but we’re controlling how this story ends as a community, as a nation, and as citizens of the world.
Kindness and world peace are the dreams of gullible and hopeful dreamers yet it is these dreamers that have created the very phones we speak into and the internet used to can connect with people around the world. It’s the dreamer that gave us light for the darkest of nights and it is the dreamers who dreamt that one day all people would be able to sit at the same table despite the color of their skin. It starts with a dream. Over the weekend dreams of kindness came to fruition in support of the the victims of the Las Vegas shooting and the Las Vegas community.
1. HEALING GARDEN
Once an empty lot, Las Vegans visited the ‘Healing Garden” between Casino Center and Charleston that took only four days to develope. The $300,000 project, raised by volunteers and contractors, was designed by landscape designer Jay Pleggenkuhle.
2. CROSSES
Retired carpenter Greg Zanis drove 2,000 from Chicago to deliver the 58 crosses he made honoring the 58 victims who died during the tragedy. All containing red hearts with the exception of two blue ones representing the cops who were lost on October 1st. Tourists and Las Vegas locals gathered at the “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” sign thanks to his random act of kindness.
3. BIKE RIDE FOR CHARITY
Three Las Vegas locals put together a charity bicycle ride to raise money for the victims, awareness, and community support. The turnout was overwhelming! One single person donated $780 in collaboration with her coworkers and clientele.
4. VIGIL
The last community event of the weekend ended at the “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” sign for the Sunday vigil. People gathered and brought candles, posters, or flowers. If you couldn’t make it to any of these events, host your own. Or, set some time aside to learn about the stages of grief. Remember: the good will always outdo the bad.
