We are Buckeye strong.

Following this terrible event, there has been an incredible response from Las Vegans. I am proud to tell you that numerous Las Vegas Buckeyes responded to this tragedy on the night of and in the weeks following.

Some people, like Kimberly Wheeler Kakita ’98, PA-C, were called in to the hospital 30 minutes after the shooting to tend to victims. Doctors, nurses, physician’s assistants and hospital staff worked around the clock for a week after the shootings in an outstanding display of professionalism.

Other alumni, like Jessica Quellhorst ’10, braved the long lines and donated blood, many waiting eight hours or more. Harry Shade ’82, a full-time employee at United Blood Center, has been putting in overtime hours alongside his coworkers for a month now, either at the blood center or with their mobile units.

I personally reached out to Harry to see how the Las Vegas Buckeyes could help. He offered me a mobile blood donation center on Nov. 11— due to overwhelming requests, this was the first available date! It also happens to be the day we play Michigan State. Fittingly, we will now have a friendly Vegas Buckeyes vs. Vegas Spartans blood drive competition throughout the week leading up to the football game. Donate at United Blood Services Center Nov. 5 – Nov. 11 and mention you’re a Buckeye. On game day, there will be a mobile blood donation center at The Sporting Life Bar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more and sign-up now.

My family and other Ohio State alumni have been contributing food, money and time to the Ronald McDonald House of Las Vegas, which is providing housing for family members of shooting victims. Las Vegas Buckeyes will continue to partner with the Ronald McDonald House in the weeks and months to come.

Our alumni club is finding other ways to offer support. Please contact me with questions or learn more about our Buckeyes Support Vegas Victims campaign.

How Firm Thy Friendship,
Christopher D. Burk ’00
President, The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Las Vegas