The donation fund that Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis put together for the community of Uvalde received a big boost on Thursday afternoon.
Griffis announced on his personal Facebook page that John Bushman and Investment Corporation of America have donated $100,000.
Though he didn’t know the final numbers on Thursday afternoon, Griffis said he expects the number to be between $115,000 and $120,000.
“The Bushmans gave us a big boost,” Griffis said. “I couldn’t be more thankful for what they do and what they’ve done for people who have been in devastating situations. The people in the community, the organizations and the companies that have shown this outpouring of support for these people in this horrible situation.”
Bushman spoke with the Odessa American on Thursday afternoon and he said he is grieving for the victims, the victim’s families and the community of Uvalde.
In the past, Bushman and ICA have donated to other shootings and natural disasters including the Odessa shooting in 2019, the El Paso shooting in 2019, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Hurricane Rita in 2005.
“Anything that we can do to fill some gaps, because these are people like us in Odessa,” Bushman said. “They are hard working people. They work for a living. They are trying to do their best for their family.
“To have that taken away from them in (one) fell motion, there are so many cracks to fill and the small amount of money that we have donated through the sheriff who we always applaud for reaching out to those in great need.”
An 18-year-old gunman, identified as Salvador Ramos, killed 19 children and two teachers Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
Griffis said he plans to travel to Uvalde Friday morning to hand deliver the donation.
During Thursday’s phone interview, Griffis said he hasn’t spoken with Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco, but he’s expected to meet with Uvalde County Judge William R. Mitchell.
“We are going to tally it all up in the morning before we go,” Griffis said.
Griffis said it’s overwhelming to see the amount of support shown by Ector County in a short amount of time.
“I’m so thankful for the people in Odessa and Ector County,” he said. “It’s a great community that we live in.”
