Hundreds gather to raise funds for Toucan’s shooting victim

Hundreds gathered at Wangs in the Desert in Palm Springs Wednesday night for a fundraiser party benefitting one of the victims shot at Toucans more than a week ago.

“When there’s opportunities to help others, that’s what it’s all about for us,” said Lee Stanford & Michael Burkett, guests at the fundraiser.

Aaron Alter, a dancer at Toucans, was hit by a random bullet during the shooting, according to his friend, Steven Crawford.

“It’s a fun night and he’s been dancing here for a very long time and he’s like family, so if family gets hurt, we take care of you,” Crawford said.

Police said the shooting happened after a fight broke out outside the bar.

“I was in absolute shock,” said Vincent Corrales, an organizer of the fundraiser. “Especially where it happened at Toucans where I used to work at. But when I heard it was him I didn’t know what to think.”

Corrales said they helped put the event together to help his friend.

“I think about him and his family, his kids, the fact that he can’t work, what he does for a living is his bread and butter, and he can’t dance, he can’t make money,” Corrales said.

An x-ray shows bullet fragments scattered throughout Alter’s leg. He’s now released from the hospital and back home. The future of his dancing career is still uncertain.

“This is how I make my money and survive, but right now, we’re just taking it day by day,” Alter said.

“He can’t walk he can’t do anything, right now he’s fighting an infection in his leg,” Corrales said.

Tonight’s party featured numerous musical performances, drag queens and a 50/50 raffle. Performers’ tips and the proceeds from the raffle went directly to Alter.

“It’s all about giving back to him, he’s such a sweet man and it’s all about raising money for his family and himself,” Crawford said. “We love you Aaron! We love you!”

You can also donate to a GoFundMe page raising funds for Alter. Click here to visit that page.