//Denverites left candles, flowers and messages for the Sol Tribe victims of the Denver-Lakewood shooting rampage that left five dead and two injured on Dec. 27. Photo by Polina Saran | polinasaran@gmail.com
The communities of Denver and nearby Lakewood are reeling after five people were killed and two were injured in the shooting rampage on Dec. 27.
Among those killed were Alicia Cardenas and Alyssa Gunn-Maldonado. Cardenas owned Sol Tribe, one of Denver’s premier tattoo and piercing studios where the first attack took place. Gunn-Maldonado was a yoga instructor and healer. Her husband, James Maldonado, was also shot and was removed from intensive care Wednesday.
Cardenas was a pillar in the mural art, activist and body modification communities. Thousands of people in the modification community have posted on social media to mourn her loss and celebrate the immense influence she had on the industry.
The third Denver victim, Michael Swinyard, was killed inside a condo building near Cheesman Park.
Police have identified the two Lakewood victims as Lucky 13 tattooer Danny “Dano Blair” Scofield and Hyatt House hotel clerk Sarah Steck.
Here’s how you can help the victims and their loved ones:
GoFundMe
A verified GoFundMe has been set up by family friends Aloria Weaver and David Heskin for Cardenas’ 12-year-old child Xochitl.
Weaver is also offering memorial prints of her oil painting portrait of Cardenas. They are free but Weaver is asking for donations to cover the cost of printing.
Alyssa’s friend, Thea Jaworski, set up a second verified GoFundMe to support the Maldonado family. The beneficiary of the funds is James Maldonado, Alyssa’s surviving husband.
A third verified GoFundMe for the employees of Sol Tribe has been organized by Priscilla Jerez, a long-time friend of the studio’s manager Casey Hosch. Because the studio will remain closed temporarily, the money is being raised to cover lost wages for the 12 remaining employees.
A long-time friend of Danny Scofield, Joshua Clement, has set up a verified GoFundMe to support Scofield’s sister, April Potter, and his three children.
Sarah Steck’s best friend Devan Romero has set up a verified GoFundMe to support the victim’s family and help cover costs associated with her services.
Lakewood Agent Ashley Ferris has been identified as the officer who shot and killed the suspected gunman. She was shot in the abdomen before returning fire but is expected to make a full recovery. A verified GoFundMe has been set up on her behalf by organizer Zach Orr to “help ease any medical, pet, and housing expenses she will have in the future.”
Colorado Healing Fund
The Colorado Healing Fund is collecting donations for the victims, families and the greater community affected by the Denver-Lakewood mass shooting.
Other community fundraisers
The Hornet, located just down the street from Sol Tribe, will be donating 56% of total sales on Dec. 30 to the artists at the studio who are unable to work due to the temporary closure.
Another Sol Tribe neighbor, Hi-Dive, is hosting a fundraiser for the victims on Jan. 4. Fifty percent of all bar sales will be equally split and donated to the Maldonado, Cardenas, Scofield, Steck and Sol Tribe families.
Although Hope Tank has not reopened for shopping, owner Erika Righter is collecting things like grocery and gas gift cards to address more immediate needs for the employees of Sol Tribe. People may also drop off gifts or personal notes as well.
Downtown Littleton restaurant Palenque Cocina Y Agaveria is following The Hornet’s lead and also donating 56% of their profits on Dec. 30 to the families of the victims and those who were injured.
With the loss of yoga instructor Alyssa Gunn-Maldonado, Courageous Yoga is hosting a memorial fundraiser for Gunn-Maldonado and Cardenas on Jan. 2. The celebration of life will include a 90-minute yoga and meditation class. Tickets are $35, with an additional $35 donation to the victims’ families.
The folks at Modified Madness Tattoo and BOA Tattoo Studio & Gallery are working with several other shops around the state to host a fundraiser for the families of the victims. Participating shops have committed to donating profits from the event on Jan. 16. They have also received permission to use some of Sarah Steck’s designs from her online portfolio.
The L Denver is switching gears with the previously-planned Jan. 3 Baker Bazaar and turning it into a silent auction and fundraiser to benefit the families of Cardenas, Maldonado, Gunn-Maldonado, Scofield, Steck and Sol Tribe.
If you know of any other fundraisers or benefit events for the victims of Monday’s shootings, please email us at staff@msmayhem.com.
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