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Within days of the Orlando Massacre, as the nation began to digest what has been classified as the largest mass shooting in the country’s history, Asbury Park residents and businesses rallied to show support and raise money to help the victims and their families.

Since the June 12 shooting by 29-year-old Omar Mateen, a U.S. born citizen, the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer [LGBTQ] community came together for a unified vigil at three of its entertainment venues [Georgies, Hotel Tides, and Paradies], local churches addressed the tragedy in their sermons and at public forums, the municipality raised the rainbow flag, and Madison Marquette immediately added it to the Convention Hall building.

By week’s end a mass collection of gift basket and auction items was underway as Paradise prepared to hold its Friday night fundraiser AP for Pulse. That event raised $22,300 for the victims and their families, said event organizer Connie Breech.

At the Ocean Avenue Watermark, a Summer Solstice fundraiser was held for Hetrick-Martin Institute. At its Newark-based facility, the organization provides LGBTQ youth and other youth [between the ages of 13 and 21] who are at risk of harassment, neglect, homelessness and disconnection with a safe, supportive environment a safe environment to grow and thrive.

“Addressing the needs of LGBTQ youth throughout New Jersey is our mission,” said Executive Director Dr. Ashawnda Fleming in a written statement. The organization provides counseling, academic enrichment, health and wellness programming, and a safe place to self-identify and move towards self-sustaining success for dozens of underprivileged youth throughout New Jersey.

Last weekend’s Seventh Annual Garden State Equality walk more than tripled in number, Director Christian Fuscarino said. The statewide LGBTQ support nonprofit raised $62,425.

On Thursday evening 84 yogis participated in The Asbury, KYDS, and Kur Wellness organized Om For Orlando event at Convention Hall.

Organized with the intention to join together as one community to send love to those affected by the tragedy, the evening began with a Drumming and Kirtan ceremony by Stephen Triola and Lisa Brodrick. An open flow yoga was followed by mediation and one continuous Om.  The event raised $2,097 to be donated to the National Center for Victims of Crime’s Compassion Fund in support of the Pulse victims’ families and survivors.

And at 8 p.m. tonight, Cookman Avenue’s House of Independents will join Garden State Equality in presenting “No Fear Just Love,” a fundraising dance party.

“During a time of darkness we are uniting to let love win,” organizers wrote. “We will be dancing all night in celebration of being proud as neighbors and human beings.”

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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