6 ways to heal and help weekend after Las Vegas shooting
Memorial garden
Early Monday, Daniel Perez and Jay Pleggenkuhle were struggling to figure out how to start their day. “We decided it was a shame that there isn’t a place to gather and heal in our community,” Pleggenkuhle said.
By Monday afternoon, they had secured a plot of land in downtown Las Vegas. In just three days, volunteers rallied to create a memorial garden on the barren half-acre of desert.
Support Las Vegas locals who volunteered by attending the garden’s dedication at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 1015 S. Casino Center Blvd. Visit the garden all weekend for a moment to reflect, meditate and heal.
Club Tattoo
A client entered Club Tattoo on Monday asking for a tattoo featuring the words “Las Vegas” and Sunday’s date, said Joni Felix, store manager at the company’s Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood studio.
That inked-on remembrance prompted Club Tattoo to offer Las Vegas-themed tattoos for $50, with the proceeds of each, Felix said, going “straight to the families and victims.”
Felix always has found a strong sense of community. But, she said, “since we’ve never had something like this happen, I guess it’s a bit surprising in magnitude, the love and the support.”
Bike ride
Graham Kahr is helping to organize a charity bicycle ride Saturday that begins at the Huntridge Tavern at 6 p.m. and continues on to the Bunkhouse and ReBar. Proceeds will go to the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund GoFundMe campaign.
Kahr, a lifelong Las Vegas resident, said the fundraiser came together quickly on Monday, with bar owners and bike clubs pitching in.
“I’m constantly impressed by how much of a community Las Vegas is,” he said. “We’re a small town in a big-city costume, and you don’t have to look far to see true acts of community here all the time, and I feel this tragedy really gives us a chance to prove that thesis.”
Dine out and donate
A number of Las Vegas businesses are committed to donating the proceeds of purchases to those affected by the shooting.
Ben & Jerry’s shops at The District at Green Valley Ranch and Sunset Station in Henderson, Grand Bazaar Shops and Harrah’s will donate 100 percent of proceeds from Saturday sales to funds benefiting victims.
Kopper Keg (all locations) will donate 100 percent of all sales Saturday (24 hours) to the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund.
Nothing Bundt Cakes will donate 100 percent of all sales on Saturday to the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund.
See more local businesses that are supporting relief efforts here.
Relax with yoga
Evolution Yoga is offering free yoga classes for the public at 4:45 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and 11:15 a.m. Sunday. All donations raised will go to the Las Vegas GoFundMe page.
Community Oasis (1800 Industrial Road) is hosting Beatles Yoga at 2 p.m. on Sunday. All proceeds and donations go to the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund. Bring your own yoga mat.
Seek mental wellness
FirstMed Health and Wellness Centers (3343 S. Eastern Ave. and 400 Shadow Lane) are offering free medical, counseling, prescription review and refills (as appropriate) and support services. It’s also helping victims and their families with costs including airfare, temporary housing, food, clothing, personal hygiene items and prescriptions. Call Marisela Quintero at 702-859-2210 or Mona Lisa Paulo at 702-859-2253.
UnitedHealthcare and Southwest Medical Associates are providing a free help line staffed by mental health specialists open 24/7, 866-342-6892. Resources also at liveandworkwell.com.
U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is providing a free Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7. Call 800-985-5990 or text talkwithus to 66746 for English or hablanos to 66746 for Spanish.
