Grand Blanc Church Attack: Fundraisers Launched for Victims Amidst Community Outpouring

In the wake of Sunday’s tragic attack at a Grand Blanc Township church, families and friends of the victims have initiated online fundraising campaigns to support those affected. GoFundMe pages, officially verified on Tuesday, seek to alleviate the financial burdens faced by the wounded and the bereaved.

Among those injured was Benjamin Phelps, whose son has since returned home, though Benjamin faces a challenging and extensive recovery. A fundraiser launched by Sarah Kunzler on Monday quickly surpassed its initial $15,000 goal, raising over $32,000 by Tuesday morning, demonstrating a profound community response. The Phelps, Bolingbroke, and Swainston families expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of support, emphasizing the comfort found in collective prayer and love.

Fenton resident Jennifer Hayden also organized a GoFundMe page for her father-in-law’s wife, whose husband tragically lost his life in the attack while attempting to help another individual. This campaign, created late Monday, had garnered nearly $16,000 by Tuesday morning, aiming to assist her with living expenses and bills as she navigates life alone after over 50 years of marriage.

Previously, a Navy veteran, John Bond, was identified as one of four fatalities in the incident. A separate GoFundMe page has been established for him, describing him as a ‘loving husband, father and grandfather,’ to finance memorial services and support his family. This fundraiser’s legitimacy has also been confirmed by GoFundMe.

The attack occurred Sunday morning when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton reportedly drove a vehicle into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, set the building on fire, and discharged several rounds. Ten people were shot, two fatally, with two additional bodies later discovered in the wreckage. Police fatally shot Sanford, a former U.S. Marine, minutes after arriving. While law enforcement has not speculated on a motive, reports suggest Sanford harbored virulent anti-Mormon sentiments. In honor of the victims, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff through Friday.

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