SXSW care fund raises $20,000 in 24 hours

Two days after a drunk driver plowed his car into a crowd of South by Southwest attendees, killing two and injuring 23, a fund set up for the victims and their families raised $20,000.

Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlie, two of the clubs near where Rashad Charjuan Owens sped down Red River Street early Thursday morning, hitting festival-goers as he went, formed SXSW Cares along with assists from the city of Austin and festival organizers.

Apparel company Vans said it would pitch in proceeds from Thursday's sales at its Vans Village pop-up store, as well as online sales from its Band Re-issues shoe line.

Funds raised through SXSW Cares will be distributed to the families most affected by the crash through a community-based process determined by the festival, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city of Austin and the Austin Community Foundation.

[LA Times]