AURORA, CO - The love for Rebecca Wingo, her family and two daughters is immense. The hearts of those who lost a daughter, a friend, and a mother, are broken.
While the mourning continues for the 12 people who were killedin Friday’s shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, assistance for the ones the victims leave behind grows.
32-year-old Rebecca Wingo was a 1997 graduate of Ford High School in Quinlan, Texas. She left the state to join the Air Force, and was stationed for a time in Hawaii where she became fluent in Mandarin, Chinese as a translator.
Her friends describe her as bubbly, funny and sincere.
Through the donation site www.gofundme.com, emotions run deep as loved ones offer their condolences in the form of money and words.
Childhood friend Michael Bird established the link, which is intended to benefit Rebecca’s children. He writes:
“The Colorado shooting has hurt many people and families and all prayers are out. This page is for Rebecca Wingo's children. Please consider what these girls are going through now and will be the rest of their life. Please help somebody that has been hurt so bad by this senseless shooting. Any little bit helps.”
As of Monday afternoon - just under two days after the site was established - more than 130 people had made a contribution and over $9,000 have been raised, just under halfway toward the goal of $20,000. View progress toward the goal here.
Bird tells KETR, “I was just trying to think about something I could do all day. I don’t have a lot of money. I do have a lot of computer skills so I searched up a website and tried to find something that had the quickest way of getting the money to the family.”
Here are some comments left by contributors:
Elizabeth Phillips– “I knew Rebecca while we were stationed together in Hawaii. She was such a sweet girl and always had the biggest most beautiful smile on her face. That is how I will always remember her. When I learned of this tragedy, I immediately felt such an immense sorrow for her family who will have to go on without her. I am praying for them to find some peace and comfort during this extremely difficult time.” Melody Drayer – “I have lived in Quinlan my entire life. To hear that one of my childrens classmates had needlessly lost her life has saddened me deeply. Please help her children by donating.... 8o).” Renee Norred – “I was a sophomore when Rebecca graduated. I didn't know her personally but I was deeply saddened when I heard the news. My deepest condolences to her two daughters and family. May God be with you during this very difficult time.” Shana Rhine – “I can only hope those little girls will one day grow up to recognize there is beauty in this world, along with the evil. There is always good.” Michael and Michelle Swanson – “My wife and I were both Chinese translators with Rebecca in the Air Force. I will never forget her cheerful attitude and positive outlook, even when working a 4:00 a.m. shift. My thoughts will be with Rebecca's children during this difficult time.” Freedom Passarelli - "Rebecca brought her girls to my child care center. She was a great mom and a good person. Because of her I was able to take my daughter to Country Jam. Thank you Rebecca for caring about others!"
Bird tells us the family has also received generous contributions from several Air Force personnel.
He says you can also donate by sending a check to Nebraska Educational Savings Trust at NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, P.O. Box 30277 Omaha, NE 68103-1377. In the memo line, include account number 748788940-01.
