IHOP victims' fund at $35,000 so far

A fund established for the victims of the IHOP shooting Sept. 6 has collected $35,000 thus far.

The IHeal Community Fund, established by Carson Medical Group with a $5,000 donation, has secured nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) status status through the Carson Tahoe Foundation.

"Establishing and growing this fund has been an honor for Carson Medical Group," Dr. Tim McFarren, obstetrician and gynecologist with Carson Medical Group, said in a press release. "Distributing the funds appropriately and timely is now our main goal. The IHeal fund has grown at a pace we never expected."

A fundraiser last week at Jimmy G's Cigar Bar raised $9,700. Half the money went into the IHeal fund, and the other half was deposited into the Nevada Mlitary Support Alliance Fund, set up for the military victims, said Cigar Bar owner Jeff Melvin.

According to Carson Tahoe Medical Center spokesman Jon Tyler, a Carson City church also donated its Sunday proceeds to the account.

"Generous people from across the nation have inquired about helping our communities heal from this event. Donating to this fund is a great start," said McFarren.

Tyler said a subcommittee of the Carson Tahoe Foundation will be established to direct the IHeal Community Fund for appropriate use. The subcommittee will include members representing the medical community, social services, law enforcement and interested business leaders.

"Carson Medical Group recognized that 'victims' of this tragedy include more than people who may have been physically injured. The domino effect of this shooting has been evident since the first patients were received at the hospital," said Cheri Glockner, Carson Tahoe's director of development. "By providing the nonprofit vehicle with which to disburse the funds, the community can be assured that 100 percent of their donation will be used to assist a variety of persons affected by this horrific event."

Donations to the IHeal Community Fund can be made at any City National Bank branch. For information, go to ww.ihealcommunityfund.com