Memorial fund set up for shooting victims

By Ryan Hyland
Rotary International News -- 29 January 2009

The Rotary Club of Clackamas, Oregon, USA, and Rotary International District 5100 (parts of Oregon and Washington, USA) have established memorial funds after two Rotary Youth Exchange students were killed and five others wounded in a shooting outside an underage nightclub on 24 January in Portland.

The two victims, Ashley Lauren Wilks, 16, of Happy Valley, Oregon, and Martha Paz De Noboa, 17, of Arequipa, Peru, were at the club to celebrate a birthday with nine fellow exchange students when the incident took place. The five injured students have all been released from the hospital.

Investigators of the Portland Police Bureau described the shooting as "a random act of violence," and said that the victims did not appear to be targeted and did nothing to provoke the 24-year old gunman, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our focus now is on supporting the surviving victims and their families, and the family and friends of the students who have died," District 5100 Governor Dennis J. Wickham said in a release. "Immediately after being notified of the tragic incident, Rotary's procedures and personnel in place for such an emergency were activated."

District 5100 has established a fund to help defray some of the medical and travel costs incurred by the victims, their families, and the host families. Any funds remaining after paying these expenses will continue as the Martha (Tika) Paz De Noboa Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Clackamas Rotary club has set up a memorial scholarship fund at Clackamas High School, where Wilks was a student. The club's foundation will define the criteria for applications with Wilks' interests and motivation in mind. Wilks, a straight-A student, was hoping to spend her senior year in France or Spain.

"Ashley was a wonderful person who had a strong passion for international studies and peace," says Shirish Patel, past president of the Clackamas club. "Our club and community are deeply hurt by this loss. Our hearts go out to Ashley's family and friends."

Scott Bieber, youth protection officer for District 5100, says the safety and well-being of students is always a top priority, but adds that the program also strives to give participants the authentic experience of being a U.S. high school student.

"Sadly, you can't plan or prevent for something like this," says Bieber. "We're all shocked and saddened. But we are focused on giving the victims and their families the support and trauma relief they need."

Hundreds of Rotarians worldwide have contacted district officials to express their condolences and offer their support. In addition to monetary help, the district's Youth Exchange officers set up a volunteer support committee to assist students and their families.

Committee coordinator Brandie Kajino, a former Rotary exchange student, says the outpouring of support from Rotarians has been unbelievable.

"It's extremely touching to see all the caring Rotarians selflessly willing to volunteer their time and money," says Kajino, a member of the Rotary Club of East Vancouver USA, Washington. "Through good times and bad, Rotary has always stuck together. Now more than ever, we need to mobilize and help these kids get through this horrific tragedy."

Kajino notes the sad irony that students who aimed to build peace and goodwill were victims of such a senseless violent crime.

"It's heartbreaking," says Kajino. "Having experienced the Youth Exchange program, I know the difference this program can make. It's an incredible and life-changing experience that will only strengthen the lives of students who participant."

Contributions for the District 5100 fund can be made online or sent to the following address:

Portland Rotary Charitable Trust for Youth Exchange
Attn: January 24 Fund
619 SW 11th Avenue, Suite 123
Portland, OR 97205

Contributions to the Ashley Wilks scholarship fund can be sent to the following address:

The Clackamas Rotary Foundation
c/o Thomas Joseph
PO Box 601
Clackamas, OR 97015

56 Comments:

At 9:48AM on 8 February 2010, MATT CAVINDER wrote: Our deepest condolences for the families and friends hurt by this incident. Even more reason to do what we do.

At 12:51PM on 22 October 2009, Margo Byrne wrote: My daughter is now at an age where study abroad is an option. These types of events create a pause in parents in their desire to have their children explore the world. Continued prayers to the families, as this is a tragedy that affects them for a lifetime.

At 10:55AM on 11 February 2009, Shelley Mohammed wrote: My deepest condolences to all the families of those lost and hurt in this terrible tragedy. You are all in our hearts and prayers.

At 5:08PM on 9 February 2009, robert c hauck, md wrote: My "Dear Editor" letter appeared in the Seattle Times on Jan 30th commenting on this tragedy (can be obtained from their website). [I am a member of R. C. of ShorelineWA (Breakfast) and have been YEO for over a dozen years. My reaction is intense, sad, and filled with disbelief.

At 11:19AM on 10 February 2009, Shirley Downie wrote: Having supported this excellent programme and seeing how youngsters' lives change, I am saddened that these two aspiring people will never witness their lives to the full. My son went to Turkey 14 years ago and he still shares his amazing experiences wih his freinds! May God bless the saddened families and surviving youngsters. Angels will guide you from here onwards.

At 10:39AM on 9 February 2009, Cassandra Kinzett-Prentice D9930, Frankton, New Zealand wrote: When I heard about what happened in Portland, I thought of my daughter who is presently in Brazil on her YEP. For lives to be cut short on what should be the most amazing time of their lives I feel great sadness. My condolences to the families, host families, host clubs and everyone else who would have come into contact with the youth of all of those that have been a part of this terrible tragedy. To those who have survived, the road to recovery that you now how to travel will be a long one. May you all be wrapped in angles wings on this journey

At 10:40AM on 9 February 2009, Alexander T. Espino wrote: I would like to extend our sympathy and condolence to the family and friends of the victims. We, at the Rotary Club of Davao 2000 District 3860 are saddened by this news and we pray for the eternal repose of their souls.

At 10:34AM on 9 February 2009, Frank Devlyn wrote: I send my condolences to all the families who are suffering due to this random act of violence. It is a shame that innocent persons have to pay the concequences coming from mentally unbalanced persons. We all have to pray that the families who suffered can find forgivness in their hears. I know that all the Family of Rotary is shocked and suffering pain from this tragedy. Congratulations to all who are promoting and giving to the Martha (Tika) Paz De Noboa Memorial Scholarship Fund.

At 11:09AM on 9 February 2009, Linda Hardiman wrote: My heart and prayers go out to the families and friends of these young exchange students. What a difference it would have made if the angry young shooter could have experienced in his life the values of Rotary and the support of people committed to those values. I mourn also for the thousands of such lost young lives in our countries, and hope that, through our Youth Exchange Program, those values will reach more and more young people throughout the world.

At 11:17AM on 9 February 2009, Yolanda Hoffman wrote: This is a very tragic event and I'm extending my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The pain and sorrow of the families' victims is unimaginable. I pray for their strenght and forgiveness. I also pray for peace and forgivenes in the souls of Ashley and Martha as they move on to another world. -Yolanda Hoffman Southwest Omaha Rotary Club, Dist. 5650

At 11:19AM on 9 February 2009, Mike Welch wrote: The Rotary Club of Livingstone, Zambia, District 9210 extends their sincere condolences to the families of this terrible tradegy.

At 3:15PM on 5 February 2009, Julian Martinez wrote: It´s so sad that something like this happened to youth exchange students... I´m already exchange student in Germany and I wouldn´t like that something like this happen to somo of us. We are all like a family, doesn´t matter the place we come from (Mexico, Peru,Chile, USA, India, Argentina, Germany, Finlad, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Brasil, Canada... America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia...) This program is focus to bring peace all over the world! And I think that´s the most important part nowadays because everywhere we turn to see there´s pain and violence and just living like a big family with tolerance and respect we can make this worldwide violence disapeared...

At 3:02PM on 4 February 2009, C. Lawrence wrote: The Rotary Club of Nevis (district 7030) extend our condolences to the families of these youths; we pray for peace, forgivness and strenght for all involved.

At 9:38AM on 4 February 2009, Joseph Hetherington wrote: If we balance our grief with hate; then we will cause ourself further pain. Pray for the families and friends who have suffered this senseless loss.

At 9:39AM on 4 February 2009, Otene Ogwuche wrote: Ashley and Martha's story touch the very heart of what our world has turned into. Stop the guns-use more pen and ink. Lets write to make the world safer. Rotaract Club of Benue State University, District 9120, Makurdi, Nigeria.

At 9:53AM on 4 February 2009, Ann Lattuca wrote: My sincere condolences to all the families who lost their children and to the survivors (hopefully they will receive counseling to realize it is not their fault that they survived). Such tragedies involve so many people. I pray that you will all heal.

At 3:20PM on 3 February 2009, Tamara Koop, DG wrote: All news travels quickly in the Rotary world. We are deeply saddened and share in the loss of these future Rotary leaders. We celebrate the joy and share in the joyous memories of every past, present and future Rotary Youth Exchange student. Thoughts from District 6270 in Wisconsin are shared with you....

At 12:01PM on 3 February 2009, Cynthia Martel wrote: My condolences to the family and friends of Ashley and Martha. I'm sure their spirit "for life" will live on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives they so dearly touched. May the Rotarian spirit never be broken.

At 10:32AM on 3 February 2009, Natalya Radovanskaya District 2230 Ukraine, Kiev wrote: How sorrowful and sad. Accept our family's sincere sympathy. Let the souls of these wonderful girls be in peace in Heaven. Let the wounded get recovered as soon as possible. Safety is an illusion. We all have to be vigilant.

At 10:33AM on 3 February 2009, vipinkumar panikkar wrote: It is tragic to lose anyone... and it is all the more tragic to lose someone who was just entering the adult life.... Please convey our deep condolenes with the loss of Ashley and Martha whose lives were so tragically cut short, may God give both families comfort in this difficult time. vipinkumar and lekha panikkar, Cochin Central, district 3201, India

At 10:35AM on 3 February 2009, PDGDon Brandes Disstrict 6080 wrote: I was deeply saddened and schocked by the news I received by email of this senseless killing. As a strong advocate of the YE program I and others believe that these exceptional students can due much to bring peace and goodwill to the world. To have this happen is beyond comprehension. My sympathies and condolences go out to the members of the victims' families.

At 10:35AM on 3 February 2009, Bob Kueck - Marshall Rotary Club - 6080 wrote: We ask why!! We will never know why this tragedy had to happen. Only God knows. All of us from the Marshall Missouri Rotary Club 6080 send our thoughs and prayers and our sincerest condolences and sympathies, not only to the families, that lost their loved ones but also to the host families and the young people that are recovering from their injuries. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

At 4:58PM on 2 February 2009, Mary Dean wrote: My heart is broken for the families of the deceased and injured. In 2000 our district experienced the tragic drowning deaths of a YE student and two members of her host family, thus I can relate to the shock an emotion of the Rotarians in District 5100. Concern and Prayers for All, Mary A. Dean, PDG 2000-01 USA West Virginia 7530

At 3:36PM on 2 February 2009, PP Dr Pardeep Kumar Harchandani wrote: We, all the Rotarians are deeply shocked. We all stand by with the families of Exchange students. May God bless the departed souls.

At 11:55AM on 2 February 2009, Sandy Smit, Secretary, Capricorn RC, District 9250, South Africa wrote: Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they mourn their loved ones. We also send words of comfort and support to the hosting families and members of the hosting club. Our youth are the future, a future which is now all the poorer without Ashley and Tika. God bless you all.

At 11:50AM on 2 February 2009, Victoria Emmons wrote: I am a member of the Rotary Club of Los Altos, California. I find this story so terribly sad and upsetting. Even sadder is that youth killing youth has become more and more commonplace in our country. I was formerly on the Board of the Joseph Matteucci Foundation whose mission was to educate kids about the real consequences of senseless violence. Seventeen-year-old Joe Matteucci lost his life to a baseball bat swung in anger by another kid at a little league game. Whether guns or bats, the result is all the same. Children die and we lose them forever. My heart goes out to the families of these young people lost to us all.

At 11:50AM on 2 February 2009, Teresinha Gomides wrote: I have been a YEO for many years and now the president of my club .Please accept my sympathy and know that I am praying for these two students and for the family. Teresinha/Rotary Club Ponte Nova Piranga District 4580

At 12:04PM on 2 February 2009, Don Moore wrote: I think that Devki Desai, inbound student from India in Illinois, has said it for all of us! There will be a hollowed place in our hearts where Ashley and Tika will always stay. D6330 Rotary Youth Exchange Program

At 10:28AM on 2 February 2009, DGN Shehzad Ahmed wrote: This is indeed a tragic incident. We pray to the Almighty that the departed sold rest in peace and the family members get the courage to bear the irreparable losses. DGN Shehzad Ahmed ! RI District 3270 (Pakistan & Afghanistan)

At 10:26AM on 2 February 2009, M Yuesei wrote: Very saddened about this. Never know what's coming and when. Prayers to all the victims and their families.

At 10:26AM on 2 February 2009, Rtn. Raj Kumar Suwal, RC Bhaktapur Nepal, 3292 wrote: We on behalf of Rotary Club of Bhaktapur, Nepal, 3292, convey our heartfelt sympathy to the family of loosed YEP and wish for healthy recovery from injury to others trapped in life-engulfing incident.

At 10:17AM on 2 February 2009, F Tamberrino wrote: What a tragedy! The YEP offers a simple and tangible way to broaden world peace through personal experience of different cultures and societies, and the innocence of youth is a perfect vehicle. Sympathies from middle Tennessee to all of the families impacted by this random act of violence.

At 10:17AM on 2 February 2009, DG Stuart Palmer wrote: Life is precious and we live every day to do all we can for this world during our time. Heartfelt condolences to Ashley's and Martha's families from all Rotarian families in Dist 5440 - Wyoming, parts of Colo, NE and ID. DG Stu Palmer 2008-2009

At 10:16AM on 2 February 2009, Judy and John Hutcherson wrote: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the students involved in this horrible tragedy. As host parents of Rotary Youth Exchange students, this would be our worst nightmare. Our hearts ache along with yours.

At 10:15AM on 2 February 2009, Peter Stam wrote: Please accept our condolenes with the loss of Ashley and Martha whose lives were so tragically cut short, may God give both families comfort in this difficult time. Peter and Edie Stam District 7080 Woodstock, Canada

At 10:14AM on 2 February 2009, Dr Shirish B Patel wrote: To All the RYE and Rotary scholars posting messages here please contact our club too.Rotary Club of Clackamas, P.O.Box 601, Clackamas, Or 97015 we will forward your thoughts to the Family of Ashley who have started making a Book of Memories for her. This will help us through Thank you for being there

At 10:13AM on 2 February 2009, Glenn Pierce wrote: While the loss of these wonderful young people is tragic, it further pains me to think that Rotary has to have trained teams to "handle tragedies like this."

At 10:13AM on 2 February 2009, David Bryant wrote: Terrible tragedy. My thoughts go out to the victims, their friends and families.

At 12:04PM on 3 February 2009, Debbie Smuts D9350 South Africa YE Committee wrote: Sending heartfelt condolences to the families of Ashley and Martha and all who were involved in caring for them. What a tragic, random act of violence that has taken two young people from us who were working towards international goodwill and understanding. May Rotary Youth all over the world be inspired to stand up for peace and to make a difference in the world.

At 10:12AM on 2 February 2009, John Kirkwood wrote: My condolences to my many friends in D5100 - especially to D.G. Dennis & Elizabeth Wickham. This is a sad moment for all in Rotary. My thoughts and prayers to all involved in the YE in D5100

At 10:10AM on 2 February 2009, Debbie Smuts D9350 South Africa YE Committee wrote: Sending heartfelt condolences to the families of Ashley and Martha and all who were involved in caring for them. What a tragic, random act of violence that has taken two young people from us who were working towards international goodwill and understanding. May Rotary Youth all over the world be inspired to stand up for peace and to make a difference in the world.

At 10:09AM on 2 February 2009, Debbie Smuts D9350 South Africa YE Committee wrote: Sending heartfelt condolences to the families of Ashley and Martha and all who were involved in caring for them. What a tragic, random act of violence that has taken two young people from us who were working towards international goodwill and understanding. May Rotary Youth all over the world be inspired to stand up for peace and to make a difference in the world.

At 10:08AM on 2 February 2009, Shobhit Gupta wrote: This is really Sad to listen as I personally have lived the best days of mt life as an Exchange Student.As I have been a student in Two Exchange Programmes.I join with everyone in praying for you and you will always be remembered..

At 10:08AM on 2 February 2009, Pichet Ruchirat wrote: Sending our deepest condolences to both students' families and friends. We share their sadness for the sudden loss of two great YEs who could do many goods in the world in the years to come. Past District 3330 RYE Chair, Pichet Ruchirat, Thailand.

At 10:07AM on 2 February 2009, Katherine Willey wrote: This sad, sad, tragedy can never be understood. From what we've learned, both young people so suddenly taken were as fine and good as any could be. Our tears join yours, and we pray that peace will one day come again to the hearts of the families.

At 10:07AM on 2 February 2009, Rtn Mary Galea wrote: As a former Rotary exchange student myself, and now a host parent of students who come to Australia, and also having dear friends in Oregon, my heart goes out to the families, friends and Rotarians involved. We must never forget the strength of our program, and the loss of these wonderful girls must serve as a reminder of the continuing necessity of promoting world (and local) peace and understanding. May God bless all those who have been directly affected by this tragedy, including the family of the young gunman. From Strathalbyn, D9520 South Australia

At 10:06AM on 2 February 2009, Pratheep Malhotra ‘Peter’ wrote: I was shocked and extremely saddened on hearing of the terrible incident in Portland where 2 Youth Exchange students lost their lives and 5 others were wounded. Please convey our sincerest condolences to the family of the girls who lost their lives. It is so difficult to understand and accept this senseless loss of lives and we can only hope and pray that these unprovoked acts of violence never happen again. Please give our love to the injured students and wish them a speedy recovery. We also send our good wishes to the other students who were at the scene of the violence. We hope that they are not too affected by the tragic incident and I am confident that the YE counselors will help them overcome their traumatic experience. If there is anything that we can assist with to ease the children's and the parent's pain, please don't hesitate to let me know. Pratheep Malhotra ‘Peter’ Governor District 3340 R.I. THAILAND

At 4:31PM on 30 January 2009, Rotr.Ahmed fati wrote: how sad to lose a chid in a family not to talk of being gunned down unexpectedly.my heart goes out to the families of the bereaved may they have the fortitude to bear the losses and may their good souls rest in everlasting peace,amen.

At 4:39PM on 30 January 2009, Richard Chugg PDG D9830 wrote: This tragic loss of two great young people brings into sharp focus the spectre of possible tragedy that haunts YEP committees, and indeed all Rotarians, who become involved in this outstanding program. I extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of Ashley & Martha and assure them that Rotarians all over the world are grieving with them and for them. The everpresent danger of disaster such as this can never be completely erased but our response must be a determined effort to improve safety to the greatest extent possible so that this tremendous program remains available for the youth of the world into the future.

At 2:28PM on 30 January 2009, dhananjay shah wrote: I share with you my consideration and sorrow for the Rotarians and Families who suffered this great loss. Please accept our strongest sympathies and please know that these families are in our hearts and prayers.This is such a giant tragedy as all of these kids make such a difference in the world. We stand with you during this most difficult time.

At 1:58PM on 30 January 2009, Peter H. Peters wrote: Margaret and I extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the students who lost their lives, the host families and students in the host school. May the Ashley and Martha's lives of continue to serve as a demonstration of the power of Rotary youth to make the world a place where understanding stands tall. PDG Peter Peters District 5550

At 1:23PM on 30 January 2009, nes marquez wrote: I am a past YEP district chair of RID-3820. We have been working hard to put students into the Program because we believe that it works and students benefit a lot from it. Many have understood cultural differences and have influenced their lives henceforth. Violent incidents such as these killings, while very tragic, will not deter our will to enhance further the goals of the Program. My sincere condolences to the families of RYE Asley and Martha Paz.

At 9:46AM on 30 January 2009, Marieta Siqueira wrote: As a former RYE from District 4510 in Brazil to District 5190 in the US, I share with you my consideration and sorrow for the Rotarians and Families who suffered this great loss; As a former RF Ambassadorial Scholar and Peace and Justice Graduate I share with you my hopes for finding better ways to search for peace in our world!

At 9:29AM on 30 January 2009, Christa Sanford wrote: Please accept my sympathy for this tragic accident! Christa, South Africa, BRW 9350

At 9:28AM on 30 January 2009, dave Gallaher wrote: Please accept our strongest sympathies and please know that these families are in our hearts and prayers. We have hosted two exchange students and our daughter is in Brazil on exchange. This is such a giant tragedy as all of these kids make such a difference in the world. We stand with you during this most difficult time. From Tucson Rotarian family, Dave and Susan Gallaher.

At 9:26AM on 30 January 2009, Devki Desai wrote: I am an exchange student in Illinois from India. I was taken aback when I heard about the killing. We RYE Students are out to promote international friendship and peace, and some of us became victims of such violence! Many of the exchange students here were shocked when they heard about this. We pray for our fellowmates. If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane We would walk right up to Heaven And bring you back again No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one will ever know But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store Since you'll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you'll always stay...

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