McCartney Times

PHOTO: In the days since the October 1 shooting, numerous businesses, celebrities and ordinary people from across the country have stepped up to help Las Vegas heal. (photo via Flickr/Håkan Dahlström)Las Vegas has been the recipient of an outpouring of love and support in the days since Stephen Paddock’s 10-minute shooting rampage left 59 dead at a country music festival.The support, which has come in the form of condolences and prayers from across the country; the erection of a community healing garden created by volunteers; vigils and even fundraisers for victims; has buoyed the city, its residents and its leaders as they collectively work toward regaining normalcy.“We are finding renewed strength in this support and all of your offers of assistance,” Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said in a statement issued today.MORE Destination & TourismAdrenaline Rush in Moab, UtahA Wildlife Safari in Grand Teton National ParkWhere #HappyHour ThrivesRalenkotter’s comment comes a little more than a week after Paddock, a 64-year-old real estate investor and professional gambler from Mesquite, engaged in the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.In addition to the 59 people killed at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, more than 500 were injured.Paddock killed himself before being apprehended by police and his motive for the mass killing remains unclear.In the wake of the devastating attack, several companies stepped up to do whatever they could to help deal with the fallout.Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air offered family members of victims the opportunity to travel for free to the city,. The airline also waived change fees for Las Vegas travelers wishing to alter their plans.Local businesses meanwhile hosted a dine out and donate event this past weekend, the proceeds from which were given to those affected by the shooting, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.Ben & Jerry’s shops at The District at Green Valley Ranch and Sunset Station in Henderson, Grand Bazaar Shops and Harrah’s were among those who donated 100 percent of proceeds from sales to funds for victims.More local support came from Caesars Entertainment’s employees and its associated chefs and entertainers, who have organized $2 million in donations to assist those affected by the Oct. 1 mass shooting, reported the Las Vegas Sun.Entertainers Celine Dion and Ringo Starr, who perform at Ceasars, have pledged to donate show proceeds to the victims of the Las Vegas massacre.All of these efforts, local and national, have helped the city cope with the massive tragedy.”We are heartbroken, but we are not broken,” Jim Murren, of MGM Resorts International said during a #VegasStrong press conference today.Others at the press conference said the best way to support Las Vegas now is to continue to visit and support the families who live and worth there.Roger Dow, of US Travel Association, was also at the press conference and told those gathered that fear can either bring an industry to its knees or inspire it to stand together.READ MORE: Airlines Pitch in to Support Las Vegas”Vegas has been with all of us for the good times and all of us will be with you now,” Dow told the crowd.All of this support has not gone unnoticed by local officials.The statement Ralenkotter issued today ended with a heartfelt thank to all those who have gone out of their way to help the city, its residents, and businesses in the wake of the tragedy.

Source: Vegas Uplifted by Love and Support | TravelPulse