Thousands donated to Shasta funds
A fund-raiser at a Stateline bar Sunday raised $36,000 for Shasta Groene’s trust fund.
The owner of Cruiser’s bar said Tuesday that thousands of people came out to support the 8-year-old kidnapping victim and the bar is still fielding calls from across the nation from people wanting to donate.
“It’s been real interesting just to watch it,” owner Sheri Herberholz said. “It’s pretty great that people can feel like they’re actually helping.”
Money from Sunday’s benefit was added to a trust fund established at Panhandle State Bank. The fund was started by Men In Business, a nonprofit business networking group, which is collecting money for Shasta through the Windermere Foundation.
Several other community members, businesses and organizations have donated to that fund, said Matt Lambert, a Realtor and member of the group. Lambert said those donations and proceeds from the Cruiser’s fund-raiser total more than $38,000.
Men In Business is planning a daylong event at the Coeur d’Alene Greyhound Park Aug. 13 to raise more money for Shasta and also to raise awareness.
“The issue we have before us is why did this happen,” Lambert said.
He said the event will have an activist slant, with petitions and information on how to strengthen sex offender laws and protect children. Legislators have been invited and presentations are planned on topics such as how to start a Blockwatch program.
The event is being called “Protect the Innocents.”
Several bands will perform during the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to dark, and a carnival and other activities are planned for children. A silent auction and raffles will be held, Lambert said.
A lawyer and accountant will administer the trust fund.
“This will go for the benefit of Shasta and Shasta only,” Lambert said. The funds can be used to help with medical and dental expenses and to pay for counseling or education expenses, he said.
The trust fund is one of several accounts set up to benefit Shasta.
Insurance agent Camy Popiel helped Shasta’s teacher and principal from Fernan Elementary start the Shasta Groene Fund. Only the teacher, principal and the lawyer setting up the trust will have the ability to release funds from the account, intended to pay for the “extras” for Shasta, from summer camp to dance lessons.
“The thing we found in the community is people were concerned that maybe someone else would have access to the money,” Popiel said. “We wanted this trust specifically for Shasta.”
If any of the money remains after Shasta turns 18, she can use it for college, Popiel said. Or, when she turns 21, Shasta can petition for whatever is left. If she doesn’t, Popiel said the money would go to Shasta’s children, or to charity.
The post office box for the Shasta Groene Trust opened last Thursday and Popiel said the donations have been pouring in from all across the country, as well as close to home.
“It makes me proud that I live in this community,” Popiel said.