A businessman who operates car dealerships in Southern Nevada and Aurora, Colo. is spearheading a fund drive to benefit the victims and first responders of the Aurora theater shootings last week.
Ed Bozarth, who operates Ed Bozarth Nevada No. 1 Chevrolet in northwest Las Vegas, and his family and partners are kicking off the drive today with a donation of $50,000.
“The people here are taking on a 9/11 feeling in Aurora and Denver,” Bozarth said this morning. “Everybody is affected, and things have just kind of slowed down since the tragedy.”
Bozarth scheduled a press conference Tuesday afternoon at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet in Aurora, which is about two miles west of the theater where a heavily armed gunman opened fire Friday on a crowd gathered for a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Bozarth, wife Paula, son Kent and partners Mark Miller and Chris Spargo are presenting three checks — $30,000 to a fund for the families of victims, $10,000 to the Aurora Police Department and $10,000 to the Aurora Fire Department.
In addition, Bozarth is establishing a fund for the victims’ families. Details on how to donate to the fund are available by calling (877) 819-0266 or online at edbozarth.com.
“I am asking other businesses and citizens in our community and across the nation to open their hearts and checkbooks and contribute generously by donating to help these families attempting to build back their lives,” Bozarth said. “Aurora has suffered as a result of this horrific crime which has caused immeasurable suffering and damage to many victims and to our community.”
Bozarth opened his Las Vegas dealership four years ago. In addition to the Aurora operation, which he established nearly 30 years ago, he has dealerships in south Denver, Grand Junction, Colo., and Topeka, Kan.