The Tua Foundation has donated $93,000 to the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch, after a multi-vehicle accident claimed the lives of 10 people, including eight children. The donation will cover the funeral costs of the children, ages ranging from four to 17-years-old.
The deceased were traveling in an Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches van along I-65 from Gulf Shores to the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch when a total of 17 vehicles crashed. The children were residents of Reeltown.
Funds were being sought by the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches to cover the funeral costs when the Tua Foundation decided to assist in the effort. Shortly after, the Foundation held a “Luau with Tua” fundraising event at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Tagovailoa pledged to personally match all funds raised, which totaled $46,500.
BREAKING: The Tua Foundation Announces $93,000 Donation To Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch Mourning Recent Tragedy… https://t.co/0b7GbakRU9 pic.twitter.com/XIevTRFO1k
— Tua Foundation (@TuaFoundation) August 5, 2021
“The support from Tua and the Tua Foundation is such a blessing,” said Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches CEO Michael Smith. “The girls ranches provide homes for so many youth throughout Alabama, and their world was turned upside down after losing their friends and sisters in this tragedy. The young people we care for need help now more than ever, and we’re so appreciative of Tua’s heart and generosity.”
Tagovailoa says he was moved by the outpouring of support for the effort.
“The generosity of the Alabama community was very moving throughout the entire Luau and my heart goes out to the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch families, members and staff that are grieving this tragedy,” said the star quarterback. “We hope this donation will provide some support and extra care during this difficult time.”
The funds will also provide counseling services to the girls of the ranch who lost loved ones.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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