In the aftermath of the massacre at an Orlando gay club that took 49 lives and wounded many more in the early hours Sunday, corporations have opened their checkbooks in support of the city, victims, and the LGBT community.
Banking giant Wells Fargo(WFC) announced a donation of $300,000 to the OneOrlando fund on Wednesday. The fund was set up by the City of Orlando to help victims and the community affected by the shooting at the Pulse nightclub.
“All of us at Wells Fargo are devastated by the tragedy at Pulse nightclub and the senseless act of violence that has impacted so many, particularly those in the LGBT and Hispanic communities,” said Derek Jones, Central Florida region president in a statement. “As an employer who celebrates diversity and inclusion daily, we are hopeful our donation will help and support those affected and aid in the city’s recovery.”
Another Wall Street titan, J.P. Morgan (JPM), also reached out, saying it would give up to $500,000. The bank would give $300,000, and match employee donations, dollar-to-dollar, up to $100,000, J.P. Morgan announced Wednesday, One of the bank’s employees, 24-year-old Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, was gunned down at the club that night.
Disney(DIS), perhaps the single largest donor, gave $1 million to the OneOrlando fund, while supermarket chain Publix announced that it would give $250,000. Both have large presences in Florida. Disney is offering complimentary accommodations for the families and friends of the victims, while Publix offered food, water, and ice to the 400 or so first responders, as well as family and friends of victims.
Flight operator JetBlue(JBLU) has also offered free seats to and from Orlando for immediate family and domestic partners of victims, in addition to a $100,000 donation to the OneOrlando fund.
The operator of Olive Garden, Orlando-based Darden Restaurants (DRI), has also pledged $500,000, while AT&T gave $100,000.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka has also promised to match donations, up to $25,000, on the GoFundMe page for the shooting, set up by Equality Florida. Supporters however must type in “Tito’s Match” in the comments field to be eligible. That fund has accrued $4.5 million in the past three days.
