Lady Gaga Funding 162 Classroom Projects In El Paso, Dayton, and Gilroy After Shootings
Lady Gaga to fund classroom projects in cities recently devastated by gun violence
Lady Gaga has always been a philanthroper and outspoken advocate for those living with mental illness, those who are bullied, feminism, and those suffering in silence from disease, and now she’s turning her message of hope to those impacted by the mass shootings by funding classroom projects in Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; and Gilroy, California to ensure they “start their school year with kindness.”
Addressing the cities in a Facebook post, the singer wrote, “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.”
Gaga went on the say she will be partnering with DonorsChoose.org — as well as her own Born This Way Foundation — to fund classroom projects in each of those cities, including 14 projects in Dayton, 23 in Gilroy, and 125 in El Paso who “will now have access to the support they need to inspire their students to work together and bring their dreams to life.”
The three cities she’s supporting have suffered unthinkable loss and tragedy during the past two weeks. In total, 33 innocent lives have been lost and countless others injured to domestic terrorists who used assault rifles to shoot people at random. As their communities begin to heal and children go back to school, her efforts come at a perfect time. She acknowledged the donation is “in loving memory of the victims of the tragic shootings in Dayton, OH, El Paso, TX, and Gilroy, CA.”
“Surviving and recovering from these tragedies also means prioritizing your mental health and checking in on your loved ones,” Gaga went on to write. “If you’re struggling, please be brave and tell a trusted someone. Don’t be scared to ask for help, I beg you. 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.”
According to DonorsChoose.org, her funding will allow classrooms to have access “to the support they need to inspire their students to build a kinder, braver world.” Gaga also asked for others to join her in donating whatever they are able to give. “I invite you to join me and help ensure young people start the school year with kindness. Please give with me to support teachers as they bring their students dreams to life. Each contribution counts,” she said.
“We cannot turn away from ourselves. We cannot turn away from our loved ones,” she concluded. “We need each other. Don’t turn away.”
