by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - In the few days since the tragedy in Tumon, there's been an outpouring number of support from the people Guam for the victims and their families. There are several ways that you can help. In the days following the tragedy in Tumon on February 12, the Guam Visitors Bureau has been focused on providing comfort and support to the victims and their families.

"And in that time we've had a lot of people reaching out asking how they can help people from all over the community, and that's been great," explained general manager Karl Pangelinan. He says GVB has since set up the 2/12 Memorial Fund with the Bank of Guam to receive community donations that has since generated thousands of dollars of support. "We just had outpouring of support and a lot of inquiry on it and commitments to the tune of almost $100,000 just this morning," he said.

"A lot of focus has been on coordination and logistics and all of those things cost money."

It's not determined how the money will be specifically disbursed, but Pangelinan says rest assured it will go directly to the victims and their families. GVB has since reached out to its industry partners to provide in-kind donations and especially thanks the tour companies, airlines, transport companies and government agencies for aiding in making this difficult time as easy as possible. "There's so many people, and entities and businesses who have reached out for levels of support," he said.

It was just yesterday when the Rotary Club of Guam announced an assistance fund to donate to GVB in aiding the families. They initially announced a $1,000 starting seed money, but has since changed it to $10,000 with more funds coming from all its members who are primarily in the business community.

Pangelinan meanwhile says to be cautious as unfortunate as it is, during times of tragedy, there's still opportunity for fraud, warning the community, "I want to assure the public that at least the 2/12 Memorial Fund that we created, the fund is coming to a government entity and we will take care of the money and spend it appropriately."

Those interested in contributing to the 2/12 Memorial Fund can provide monetary payment in the form of cash and check payable to "2/12 Memorial Fund" delivered either at the GVB offices in Tumon or any Bank of Guam branch. Meanwhile, you can call 646-5278 or email donations@visitguam.org.

GVB has also organized a memorial mass set for this Sunday at the Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna at 9:30am.