The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) have raised $250,000 to date in support of victim families of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde on May 24. Through the Texas Bankers Foundation, TBA and IBAT have united to offer support via the Uvalde Community Response Fund. The funds will provide direct financial support to the families of those impacted on that tragic day.

“Community banks, like First State Bank of Uvalde, are there for their neighbors and customers in good times and when tragedy strikes,” Chris Furlow, CEO and president of TBA, and Christopher Williston, president and CEO of IBAT, said in a joint statement. “Impacted families remain in great need of emotional, spiritual and financial resources, and our member banks across the Lone Star State have rallied to do their part to provide comfort and support to Uvalde.”

A check presentation was made at the First State Bank of Uvalde on July 11 with Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell, Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin, Uvalde Chief of Police Daniel Rodriguez and State Representative Tracy King in attendance.

Fund contributors have included community banks and individual bankers, as well as banking groups, community stakeholders and organizations from across the nation. With guidance from Uvalde leaders and community stakeholders, donations to the foundation are being directed to the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund for distribution by its steering committee to victim families and others directly affected.

Donations continue to be accepted on the TBA website, as well as IBAT’s website.