Published on: April 3, 2024, 11:33h.
Last updated on: April 3, 2024, 02:03h.
The development of the Las Vegas shooting memorial near the site of the tragic event from over six years ago has progressed with the establishment of a new nonprofit organization.
At a recent Clark County Commission meeting, funds totaling nearly $140,000 were allocated towards the design and construction of the memorial in memory of the victims of the October 1, 2017, shooting. The Vegas Strong Fund, led by Jan Jones Blackhurst, Punam Mathur, and Virginia Valentine, will oversee the project.
The permanent memorial design, approved by the county commission in September, will honor the 58 individuals who lost their lives during the tragic event at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival.
The memorial will pay tribute to the victims and provide a place for reflection and healing for the community.
‘Forever One’
The Vegas Strong Fund has received donations totaling $143,986.85 for the construction of the memorial. With the dissolution of the 1 October Memorial Committee, the fund will now serve as the primary fundraising entity for the project.
The memorial, named “Forever One,” will consist of 58 illuminated candles representing the lives lost, along with a wall displaying the names of each victim.
The memorial will serve as a reminder of the importance of peace, unity, and the prevention of violence within the community.
Timeline and Funding
The construction of the Forever One memorial is estimated to cost over $20 million, requiring substantial funds to be raised before the project can commence.
Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson expressed the need to raise money for the memorial project, emphasizing the importance of honoring the events of October 1 and celebrating the community’s resilience.
The gaming industry is expected to contribute to funding the memorial, given the strong ties of the Vegas Strong Fund directors to the sector.
The directors of the Vegas Strong Fund have extensive experience in the gaming industry, with connections to major casino operators.
The memorial is set to be a significant symbol of remembrance and healing for the Las Vegas community.