Lady Gaga to fund 162 classroom projects following recent mass shootings

Lady Gaga released a statement in which she vows to support three communities affected by mass shootings in recent weeks; namely Gilroy in California, El Paso in Texas, and Dayton in Ohio.

Singer-turned-actress Lady Gaga has vowed to help the communities in Dayton, El Paso and Gilroy – three American cities affected by gun violence in the past four weeks.

On July 28, a 19-year-old man fatally shot three people (including two children) at a garlic festival in Gilroy, California. A few days later, on August 3, a 21-year-old man murdered 22 people at a Walmart supermarket in El Paso, Texas. Mere hours after that, 10 people were shot dead by a 24-year-old in Dayton, Ohio.

A further 63 people were injured in the three mass shootings. Lady Gaga, who said she is frustrated and furious at these latest killings, has vowed to help the communities affected.

In a statement shared via her official Facebook page, the New York-native said she will fund more than 160 classroom projects in an effort to “inspire students to work together”.

 

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A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on May 4, 2019 at 4:58pm PDT

‘In loving memory’

“A note to Dayton, El Paso, and Gilroy,” Lady Gaga’s statement began.

“My heart goes out to those who were taken from us too soon and to their families, loved ones, and communities who are left to grieve. Everyone has the right to laws that make them feel safe in their communities.

“In this moment, I want to channel my confusion, frustration, and fury into hope. Hope that we are there for each other and for ourselves.

“Today, I find hope in the work of DonorsChoose.org and I’m proud to partner with them and with Born This Way Foundation to fully fund the classroom project needs in Dayton, El Paso and Gilroy.

“Fourteen classrooms in Dayton, 125 classrooms in El Paso, and 23 classrooms in Gilroy will now have access to the support they need to inspire their students to work together and bring their dreams to life.

“Surviving and recovering from these tragedies also means prioritizing your mental health and checking in on your loved ones. If you’re struggling, please be brave and tell a trusted someone. Don’t be scared to ask for help, I beg you,” she said.

“If you see a loved one struggling, please be brave and reach out, remind them it’s ok to not be ok, and listen to them. We cannot turn away from ourselves. We cannot turn away from our loved ones. We need each other. Don’t turn away.

“In loving memory of the victims of the tragic shootings in Dayton, El Paso and Gilroy.”

Photo: Lady Gaga, @ladygaga via Instagram

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