Foundation Authorizes $5,000 Reward After Deadly Madison Youth Football Shooting
The foundation activated its Emergency Victim Support Fund and is offering a reward for information leading to the identification and prosecution of those responsible.
MADISON, IL. — The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, has authorized a reward of up to $5,000 and activated its Emergency Victim Support Fund following a shooting at a youth football championship game held at Madison Senior High School that left one person dead and three others injured.
The shooting occurred shortly before 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, during a championship game involving youth football teams. The person killed was identified as 64-year-old Steve A. Smith of St. Charles, Missouri. Three other adults were shot and transported to area hospitals, where they were reported in stable condition.
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The game was organized by a third-party youth football organization and was not sponsored or organized by the Madison School District. The District has nevertheless acknowledged the impact of the shooting on its school community.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is leading the investigation with the Madison Police Department. The FBI and other federal law enforcement resources are assisting. As of November 3, authorities have not announced an arrest.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the man who lost his life, those who were injured, and the children, families, coaches, and spectators who witnessed this violence,” said Daniel Chapin, Founder and President of the Foundation. “A youth sporting event should be a place where children can participate, families can gather, and communities can celebrate together. The children who witnessed this incident deserve particular care and support. We want everyone affected to know that assistance and resources are available.”
Emergency Victim Support
The Foundation has activated its Emergency Victim Support Fund in response to the incident. Assistance may include emergency financial support, counseling and grief-support referrals, crisis-resource coordination, and connections to additional community resources.
The Foundation recognizes that the impact of this shooting extends beyond those physically injured. Young athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and spectators who witnessed the violence may also experience emotional distress. Children who were present may need support not only immediately, but in the days and weeks ahead.
Requests are reviewed individually based on the applicant's connection to the incident, circumstances, documented needs, verification, and available funding. Assistance is not guaranteed, and the availability of specific services may vary.
Individuals and families seeking assistance may contact the Foundation at youthpeacejusticefoundation@gmail.com.
Information about the Emergency Victim Support Fund is available at:
https://www.theuvaldefoundation.com/projects-8
Foundation Authorizes Reward of Up to $5,000
The Foundation has separately authorized a reward of up to $5,000 for qualifying information that leads to the identification and successful prosecution of those responsible for the shooting.
The reward is intended to supplement—not interfere with—the work of law enforcement. Anyone with information should provide it directly to investigators.
Under the Foundation's reward requirements, qualifying information must lead to an arrest, the filing of charges, and a felony conviction. An arrest or the filing of charges alone does not qualify for payment. The actual award amount is subject to verification, applicable program requirements, and the Foundation's review process. One reward is available per incident, regardless of the number of individuals providing information.
Investigation and Federal Reward Information
The FBI has separately announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. This is an independent federal reward and is separate from the Foundation's offer.
Investigators are asking anyone who attended the game or has photographs, videos, or other digital information from that evening to come forward. Material does not need to show the shooting itself to be potentially useful to investigators.
Information may be provided to the Major Case Squad command post or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Photographs and videos may also be submitted directly through the FBI's online portal:
https://tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/7a3b922a9c889f5
The Foundation encourages witnesses to share relevant information directly with investigators and to avoid circulating unverified information or material that could interfere with the investigation.
Community Support and Donations
The Foundation is seeking contributions to support its response and assistance to verified victims and families affected by the shooting. Donations help sustain the Foundation's emergency assistance and crisis-response work. Any assistance provided remains subject to individual verification, program requirements, and available funding.
Donations may be made through the Foundation's PayPal giving page:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G88KEWBWBVGA8
The Foundation will continue to make its resources available as needs are identified and verified.
About the Foundation
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, was established following the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The Foundation works nationally to support young people and communities through violence prevention, crisis response, victim assistance, and community-based initiatives.
Its mission is: Recognize. Intervene. Prevent.
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