mission statement

On October 1, 2017, at approximately 10:05 p.m., a gunman opened fire on more than 21,000 attendees at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. During Jason Aldean’s performance, gunfire erupted from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, striking concertgoers below.

In just 15 minutes, more than 1,100 rounds were fired. Fifty-eight lives were lost, and thousands were injured in what is now recognized as the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. That night, approximately 87 children lost a parent, about 70 percent of whom were under the age of 21.

58 Strong was founded by Melissa Williams, a survivor of the Route 91 tragedy. Deeply moved by the lasting impact on families, particularly the children, Melissa established 58 Strong as a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization provides healing, connection, and events for the minor children who lost a parent, as well as for survivors.