$2.5 Million Distributed to Victims of Dec. 2 Attack

SAN BERNARDINO >> Arrowhead United Way has distributed the $2.5 million generously donated to the San Bernardino United Relief Fund as a show of support for the victims and their families affected by the Dec. 2 tragedy. The independent San Bernardino United Relief Fund Committee determined distribution allotments, with 100 percent of the funds donated going to those affected. Thousands of donations from national and local corporations, organizations, foundations, tribes and individuals contributed to the fund created for the victims of the tragedy. After Arrowhead United Way established the fund and partnered with the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors it received major donations from The Albertsons Companies Foundation, The Vons Foundation, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Muslims United for San Bernardino, Hangar 24 Charities and MobileCause App users. "When we heard the news of this tragic act, we knew we had a responsibility to act and support the victims and their families," said Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions President Lori Raya. "Our employees and customers across Southern California were humbled and proud to partner with the Arrowhead United Way, and do our part to help during this time of need." In total, 73 victims were identified as beneficiaries of the fund, which included families of the deceased, the injured and those in the room at the time of the shooting. Arlen Verdehyou was one recipient that saw the importance of the funds to help families rebuild. “No amount of money can bring back those lives lost or changed forever in the terrorist attack,” said Verdehyou, husband of victim Bennetta Betbadal, “but the generous financial contributions from strangers shows how this community is committed to rebuilding lives.” Before receiving his allotment, Verdehyou made a generous contribution to Arrowhead United Way to thank the organization for its work with the Relief Fund. “You can’t put a price on the sense of unity you feel when working together to help others,” he said. “Arrowhead United Way helped to bring us together to support our community as we heal.” Local organizations and businesses were among the first to grow the fund. The objective of the fund was to connect those affected by the incident with donations that may yield some support and comfort in a time of catastrophe. “At Morongo, we are humbled to lend our support to the victims and the families whose lives were shattered by this atrocity," said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. We are proud to stand with so many others in the community who have come together in hopes of providing solace and aid to those left grieving." “San Manuel is proud to ‘Stand Strong with San Bernardino’ as those families whose lives are forever changed by the tragic events of December 2 endeavor to recover," said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. "We are honored to be working as one community with the San Bernardino United Relief Fund committee.”