WINTER PARK, Fla. – A young girl whose father was shot multiple times during the massacre at Pulse nightclub was awarded a college scholarship during a luncheon Thursday afternoon in Winter Park.
Weeks after the mass shooting, the Bridges of Light Foundation created an education fund to benefit all the children who were affected by the tragedy. The goal is to raise $30,000 per child, which will cover four years of college tuition.
Bella Melendez's father, Leonel Melendez, was critically wounded when gunman Omar Mateen shot him in the head, leg and foot during the June 12 terrorist attack.
He said during the Bridges of Light Foundation Awareness Luncheon at The Alfond Inn that it's a relief to see his 7-year-old daughter receive a scholarship.
"I just want to say thank you to the Bridges of Light Foundation," Melendez said. "You all know about my horrible tragedy, but I'm here and I'm just so fortunate to be able to be here and be fortunate to get this certificate for my daughter."
Bella was the first child to receive the scholarship and she said she plans to be a veterinarian for puppies.
"I really want to be a vet for puppies because I really love puppies and I really love taking care of puppies," Bella said.
"It's awesome because I get to go to college free," she said.
Donations to the fund can be made by visiting bridgesoflightfoundation.org.