The initiative behind forming the Foundation originated shortly after several members of Porzio, along with thousands of others from the global dietary supplements and functional food communities, returned from the annual SupplySide West trade show held at the Mandalay Bay (Sept 26-29). Preparation for the worst mass shooting in US history had methodically taken place the entire week trade show attendees worked in the convention center below. In the days following the shooting, stories of fear and near misses from clients and colleagues began to circulate.
Kevin Bell, Managing Principal of Porzio's DC office and annual attendee of SupplySide West, recommended formation of a charitable entity to support the immediate and long-term financial needs of those impacted by the October 1st mass shooting.
“Ten minutes of inexplicable violence left thousands of people traumatized, suffering and in need of assistance,” said Bell. “Our objective is to establish a formal means for the firm and its members to make their donations and then expand efforts to raise additional funds through the contacts, relationships and outreach efforts.”
The Porzio Foundation For Victims Assistance is being established as a 501(c)(3) entity that will, “act as a charitable arm of the law firm with a defined mission of helping others in times of unexpected tragedy and need”, said the firm in a release.
“Porzio, as a firm, has always been a participant in community outreach and a supporter of those in need. In light of the recent Las Vegas tragedy, it was an easy decision to formalize our outreach into a long-term charity, Porzio Foundation for Victims Assistance, to enable swift help and donations for future causes,” said Porzio's Managing Principal, Vito Gagliardi, Jr.
Several companies and leaders in the dietary supplement industry have already pledged their support. One hundred percent of the donations received will be used to assist the victims of this tragic shooting.
Donations
Porzio made an initial donation of $10,000 to begin the Foundation's efforts. Donations can be made at http://pbnlaw.com/porzio-foundation-for-victims-assistance or by sending a check payable to "Porzio Foundation for Victims Assistance" and mailed to:
Porzio Foundation for Victims Assistance
100 Southgate Parkway
P.O. Box 1997
Morristown, NJ 07962-1997