A GoFundMe is helping support Cassidy Schutz, the Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who confronted the gunman during the October 15 shooting in Bend. Schutz, a certified learning specialist, fought with the attacker in the classroom, creating an opening for parent Kaylub Giamanco to intervene. Now, donations will help cover her recovery needs and expenses while she takes time away from work.
The Standing with Cassidy Schutz fundraiser, organized by fellow educator and coach Emily Curfew, had raised more than $60,000 toward a $70,000 goal as of November 7. Central Oregon Daily reported on the campaign, which GoFundMe has verified. Contributions are intended to help with medical expenses, specialized trauma care, lost income and everyday living costs. gofundme.com
Her Actions Gave a Parent the Chance to Intervene
In the days after the shooting, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz described a staff member who threw her cellphone at the gunman, tackled him and struggled to take away his firearm. Bend-La Pine Schools publicly identified that employee as Schutz on October 30.
Giamanco, the father of two Silver Rail students, has credited her actions with giving him the opportunity to stop the attack. In an October 23 interview with OPB, before he knew Schutz’s name, he explained that her struggle with the gunman allowed him to act without facing the shooter head-on.
“I would love to give her a hug because that’s a real true hero,” Giamanco told OPB. His account, included in OPB’s reporting on Schutz’s identification and statement, described how much he believed her intervention mattered in those moments. OPB
Helping Cassidy Take Time to Heal
Curfew’s fundraiser describes Schutz as someone who has spent years supporting young people, both in school and through athletics. The two have worked together as educators and high school basketball coaches, giving Curfew a firsthand view of Schutz’s dedication to students and players.
The campaign’s purpose is to give Schutz financial support as she navigates the aftermath of the shooting. Along with care-related expenses, donations will help cover ordinary bills while she takes the time she needs away from work. The fundraiser accepts both one-time and recurring contributions, and Curfew also encourages people to share the campaign or leave a supportive message.
Schutz Has Asked for Privacy
When Schutz released her statement through the school district on October 30, she expressed grief for those killed, their families, the people injured and everyone who experienced the attack. She said her attention was on the affected families, her colleagues, the school and her own healing.
Schutz also asked for time, space and privacy, explaining that she would not be making further public statements at that time. Her statement is available through Bend-La Pine Schools’ Silver Rail community information hub.
Anyone wishing to help with her recovery can donate directly through Standing with Cassidy Schutz on GoFundMe. The page lists Emily Curfew as the organizer and Cassidy Schutz as the beneficiary.
