Organization attempts to fundraise for Tramway repairs, Tramway cannot accept
Some people have been looking for ways to donate to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, including one local learning center, but News Channel 3 has been told the Tramway cannot accept donations.
Stepping Stones Director, Darrin Erb, organized a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Tramway road repairs. He says it’s part of a community service project for his students who attend the learning center.
“Their (students) way of giving back is taking on projects that are important to them, so not every kid has to participate. This is just one more opportunity, teaching the kids to say, ‘We can’t look at a problem, We have to actually do something to overcome it’,” Erb said.
But Erb says quickly after posting the GoFundMe page online, he was surprised to receive backlash on social media.
“It was a very strange reaction to kids wanting to go out and make a difference in this world and the backlash was all on Facebook and everything that we promoted, people were like, ‘This is publicly funded road’, ‘Why would you be raising money’, ‘This is so terrible’, ‘Put the money somewhere else’,” Erb explained.
Since then, we’ve learned the Tram cannot accept donations, but it’s news to Erb, who says he had been trying to get a hold of administrators with the Tram. Now he tells KESQ he will discuss with students where the money will go.
Erb is also speaking on allegations of assault against a student nine months ago. It’s a case that was investigated by the District Attorney’s Office. Charges were dropped against Erb in January.
“The district attorney found nothing there. We move forward. People have asked me, ‘Would you continue to do this (directing a learning center) knowing things can be said and allegations can be thrown?’ And the answer is, of course. If I’m not going to do it, who will?” said Erb.
As far as the Tram goes, some employees are still being helicoptered to work. Tram administrators are hoping the helicopter rides will be covered by insurance.
