In the wake of a tragic shooting at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock during a Juneteenth celebration, members of the community have begun to mobilize support for the families of the victims and the 14 injured. KXAN reports that two individuals, Lyndsey Vicknair, and Ara Duke, were fatally shot at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Saturday amid a confrontation between two groups at the event.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with the family expenses of Lyndsey Vicknair, a mother whose "contagious smile, thoughtfulness, and her unwavering willingness to help others" left a lasting impact on her community. "Her absence is felt deeply by all who knew her," Candice Cooper, Co-Founder of the Austin Honey Badgers Track Club, described in the GoFundMe post, as per KXAN. Individuals wishing to pledge support can contribute to the fund, which will go towards alleviating the sudden financial burden on Vicknair's husband and their children.
At the same time, the Duke family has requested that in place of flowers, contributions be made to two charities: Boys & Girls Club and NPH USA. The Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area, an extended family for Amar Duke, is particularly feeling the loss. According to a FOX 7 Austin interview, Zenae Campbell, the CEO, remarked "This rocks all of us as part of the Austin community, especially when it is so tragic and senseless."
The Boys & Girls Club also plans to quickly offer mental health services for its staff and resources for the families impacted by this tragedy. "It's really important for us to come together as a community to connect, to talk, to reflect, to allow time to grieve with one another," Campbell emphasized. Those interested in honoring Duke can donate to the Austin Boys and Girls Club, leaving a note stating "In Memory of Ara.", as detailed by FOX 7 Austin's coverage of the family's request.
