Rockford Sun

A business district association “in the heart of Rockford” has set up a fund to benefit families affected by the Dec. 26 shooting at Don Carter Lanes bowling alley that claimed three lives.

Miracle Mile Rockford’s Care Fund at Illinois Bank & Trust is accepting tax-deductible donations at any branch drive-thru lane, a Miracle Mile Rockford blog said.

Donors may mail checks to Miracle Mile Rockford, 1643 N. Alpine Rd, PMB 129, Rockford, IL 61107, the blog said. Don Carter Lanes’ account to benefit families may be accessed at gofundme, the blog said.

Thomas Furseth, 65; Jerome Woodfork, 69 and Dennis Steinhoff, 73, were killed when a gunman entered Don Carter Lanes just before 7 p.m. Dec. 26 and began shooting, Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley said in a video on the Rockford Illinois Police Department Facebook page.

U.S. Army Special Forces Sergeant Duke Webb, 37, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder for the incident in which three others were injured, Hanley said in the video.

Don Carter Lanes, located at 4007 E. State St., said on its website that the business is grateful for law enforcements’ quick and “professional actions … that prevented further loss of life.”

“The don carter lanes family and the entire bowling community is in shock by this act of pure evil. Our collective prayers go out for the families of the victims. God please help them all,” the website said.

Established in 2005 by a grass-roots group, Miracle Mile Rockford has met bi-monthly at Don Carter Lanes. The association serves businesses, neighborhood groups, property owners and residents, its website said.

 “Our strength lies in our members; neighbors watching out for each other; allowing us to speak as one voice to the city leaders. Together, we stand stronger,” the website said.