It's been a tough year for the Big Bend, but Tallahassee residents love to give

Nada Hassanein
Tallahassee Democrat

It's been a tough year for the Big Bend — a raging wildfire in nearby Eastpoint; a hurricane that stole lives and destroyed homes; a shooting at a Tallahassee yoga studio that killed two.

But residents reached in their pockets to help their grieving neighbors and their struggling friends with whatever they could.

The capital city was fourth on GoFundMe's list of "most generous cities" in the country over the past year per capita, according to the crowdfunding platform's Year in Giving report.

From raising more than $30,000 to support Hot Yoga Tallahassee and the victims' families, to supporting rebuilding efforts for the legendary Bradfordville Blues Club after a large oak tree fell on the club earlier this year with $29,000.

"I didn't think it would reopen — it was just a mess," said owner Gary Anton. "It was totally unexpected and, as I keep saying: humbling, to say the least."

Repairs cost about $40,000 and donations from the GoFundMe and a benefit event at The Moon collectively raised about $36,000, almost covering the entire bill.

Gary Anton, who runs the the Bradfordville Blues Club with his wife Kim, surveys the damage to his establishment after a 250-year-old oak tree came crashing down through the roof on Tuesday.

The love shown from regulars and musicians alike floored Anton. A keyboard player donated $2,000 and a club-goer could only afford $5. But Anton was equally struck by both.

Residents helped families in the Panhandle and the Big Bend recover from Hurricane Michael's fury. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported $2 million were raised on GoFundMe from around the nation in Hurricane Michael's aftermath.

Gainesville also secured a spot on GoFundMe’s list, scoring eighth and making it the second Florida city to make the list.

Other fundraisers started in the Tallahassee area, several reported on by the Democrat, include:

 

Read their stories here:

More:The victims of the Hot Yoga Tallahassee shooting, Sunday vigils, the GoFundMe page

More:Eastpoint fire victims: Relief is pouring in to help

More:'A juke joint revival': Bradfordville Blues Club reopens its doors

More:Community raises funds for Tallahassee bicyclist who remains in a coma after crash

More:Tallahassee family raises funeral funds to bury daughter who taught abroad in China

Reach Nada Hassanein at nhassanein@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @nhassanein_.