LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces businesses raised a combined $40,000 or so over the weekend to donate to the families of victims that were tragically killed at a Walmart in El Paso on Aug. 3. And a medical school on Monday announced it would be making a $100,000 donation to a victims' assistance fund.

Marci Dickerson, owner of The Game I and II Sports Bar and Grill and founder of nonprofit Revolution 120, said Las Cruces is one of the most giving communities in the United States, and Saturday's fundraiser was an example.

The Game I

A fundraiser Saturday at The Game I, 2605 S. Espina St., raised $36,500, Dickerson said. All the money will be donated directly to the victim's families.

"We had a whole lot of business donors and personal donors who donated a lot of money and had a silent auction with great items," Dickerson said. "The money will be donated directly to the families. Revolution 120 will be mailing out checks to the victim's families this week."

Dickerson said Saturday's tragic event hit too close to home which is why she decided to step up and help.

"It could’ve been us. We want to make sure that we get the families help very quickly because the traumatic and emotional part of this tragedy is the everyday life. There will be children with no parents and elderly that has been taken away. They should not have to deal with the financial turmoil," Dickerson said. "Being that is was so close to home, it upset and scared everyone. People really felt the need to reach out and help our neighbors."

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Matteo's Mexican Food

Melody Rios, co-owner of Matteo's Mexican Food at 1001 E. University Ave C-1, said they raised money for one of its former employees and current New Mexico State University student Joanna Rodriguez, and her family. Rodriguez's younger brother, Javier Amir Rodriguez, who was 15, was the youngest victim killed in the El Paso shooting.

The restaurant sold 43 El Paso Strong T-shirts and also donated 10 percent of both Friday and Saturday total sales to the Rodriguez family. The T-shirts were bought from Proper Printshop in El Paso, with all proceeds — about $1,000 — benefiting the victim's families.

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"The fundraiser went incredibly well. The Las Cruces community along with the El Paso community had a lot of people drive out here to support Javier, his sister Joanna and their family," Rios said. "We had people drive out not just from El Paso but from Chaparral, Anthony and even Horizon."

Rios said the Rodriguez family feels overwhelmed by all the support from both El Paso and Las Cruces. She said it's important for Las Crucens to keep helping its sister city because they are both one community.

"Together when we stand as one we make each stronger. We’re so close to each other, when they hurt, we hurt. We most definitely want to stand strong and be one," Rios said. "We want to thank everyone for coming out. We are honored to be a part of this community."

House of Grafix and others

CW Ward, owner of House of Grafix, a custom decal shop at 800 W. Amador, said as of Saturday, he had sold $2,220 worth in El Paso Fusion soccer team decals.

El Paso Fusion was hosting a fundraiser at the Walmart when the deadly shooting occurred.

The EP Fusion soccer decals sell for $5. Ward's goal is to reach $5,000. For more information visit www.facebook.com/houseofgrafixlc

Rad Retrocade, 201 N. Main St., is still seeking canned and non-perishable food items and toiletries that can be dropped off at the arcade and bar any time during business hours

El Paso and Las Cruces Panda Express locations will be collecting donations for the El Paso shooting victims until Aug. 19. Panda Express locations in Las Cruces are 1400 E. University Ave. and 3311 Rinconada Blvd. Panda Cares Foundation will match donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000. All the money will go to the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation El Paso Victims Relief Fund.

Related:Las Cruces businesses raise funds for El Paso shooting victims

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine announced Monday that it is giving $100,000 to support future scholarships for children who were affected by the massacre in El Paso.

The gift will go to the El Paso Community Foundation Victims’ Education Fund, which was established to provide tuition assistance and related expenses for university, college, trade or vocational school.

“We are deeply saddened about the tragic shooting in our sister city, El Paso,” said BCOM President John Hummer. “With so many of our faculty, staff and students connected to El Paso — this truly hits close to home.”

Jacqueline Devine can be reached at 575-541-5476, JDevine@lcsun-news.com or @JackieIsDevine on Twitter.