Following her unexpected death by presumed drowning, actress Naya Rivera (Glee) will be honored by her former Glee castmates through a holiday fundraiser for a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that she had supported, according to Variety. On Friday, Dianna Agron (The Family), Heather Morris (Spring Breakers), Chord Overstreet (The Swing of Things), and Matthew Morrison (American Horror Story), among other cast members, announced the launch of GoFundMe in support of Alexandria House which provides housing for women and children.
The organization “provides safe and supportive housing for women and children in the process of moving from emergency shelter to permanent housing,” via their website. Rivera was quoted on the GoFundMe as stating, “The connection I feel with [Alexandria House] and the people who reside and work there has been the biggest blessing and made such huge posit impact on myself and my son,” via Variety.
Rivera’s body was found in early July in Lake Piru, California after six day search turned into a recovery mission. Rivera and her son had rented a pontoon boat with the intention of swimming and returning to the boat. The child later claimed that they were both swimming and she never came back out of the water. Since then, her Glee costars have been rather vocal about her sudden death via social media.
By Saturday, the team’s fundraiser had raised more than $65,000 after breaking its initial goal of $50,000 in its first day. In an attempt to draw more people to the fundraiser, the cast members created a video describing the meaning behind it and the impact Rivera had on them. Morrison, who played Will Schuester on Glee stated, “We will all be making a donation in Naya’s name to Alexandria House, and we have started a GoFundMe so that you can contribute as well,” via Variety. The remainder of the tribute can be viewed below.
In addition, Rivera’s family made a statement on their official GoFundMe page, “We are forever grateful to Naya’s friends and colleagues for having the desire to put such a beautiful fundraiser together. Everyone will always be remembered and loved by her entire family. Naya loved Christmas, and we are pleased to know that her Christmas parties left a lasting impression on all of our lives. This fundraiser is an extension of Naya’s love for families, children, and holidays. To honor her in this manner is evidence that her love for others is endlessly alive. On behalf of Naya and her son Josey, the family would like to donate items from her Jojo & Izzy clothing line. We appreciate all who continue to shine Naya’s love and light.”