Waukesha Community Foundation starts application phase of the United for Waukesha Community Fund

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WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) --The Waukesha Community Foundation has officially started the initial application process phase of the United for Waukesha Community Fund.

Shelly Marquardt is the president of the Waukesha Community Foundation and says they've received more than $3 million in donations. She told CBS 58 they've gotten an overwhelming amount of support.

“We now begin the next phase of the process to begin offering financial support to those involved in this tragic event. We've got about $3.2 million that's been donated and that's from 12,000 different donors from every state in the United States and 16 countries worldwide," explained Marquardt.

There are three different application forms available. The first is for families who have lost a loved one. The second is a universal form for those who sustained physical injury, for those who were physically present at the Waukesha Christmas parade, or an individual that was a first responder or other medical professional treating victims. There is also a form for area nonprofits serving the affected community. A single claim form should be submitted for each eligible claimant. The committee has made these forms as simple as possible, so as not to overburden family members and survivors. Individuals can request a personal call or meeting to discuss details, if needed.

Brian Melter is the chief experience officer for Landmark Credit Union. He and other volunteers are helping sort the donations.

"We are churning through all of the paperwork to get all of the donations in and get things into the fund. People have dropped off more than $150,000 since this started. So we have been involved throughout the process donating time and effort at our locations to help in any way we could." said Melter.

Help Marquardt says the victims of the tragedy need now and in the future.

"We don't know what the long-term costs will be for these families. And we know there will be long-term issues for the community as far as trauma and mental health. And we want to be there to support them and have the resources to do it. Everyone I talked to knew someone that was impacted by the parade, and its personal," explained Marquardt.

The Fotsch Family Foundation is doing a million-dollar match for donations to the Waukesha Community Fund through Saturday.

The protocol, claim forms, and additional details will be available HERE beginning Dec. 10. Copies may also be requested by emailing the Fund Administrators at [email protected].

Claim forms should be completed and submitted to the fund administrator between Dec. 10, 2021-Feb. 28, 2022.

United for Waukesha Community Fund Committee consists of:

  • Paul Farrow, County Executive, Waukesha
  • Shawn Reilly, Mayor, City of Waukesha
  • Jennifer Dunn, Director, Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Waukesha County Department of District Attorney
  • James Sebert, Ed.D, Superintendent, School District of Waukesha
  • Ty Taylor, President & CEO, Waukesha State Bank
  • Shari Campbell, Interim President & CEO, La Casa de Esperanza
  • Karin Kultgen, MD, Waukesha County Physician (retired)
  • James Moore, Director of Operations, Waukesha County Community Foundation
  • Nicole Angresano, Vice President Community Impact, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Additional committee members may be added as needed.

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