WASHINGTON — As classes resume Wednesday at the Parkland, Florida, high school where 17 people were killed, the school’s alumni are standing behind the kids by raising money to support those touched by the tragedy.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School alumni in the D.C. area gathered Tuesday night at Tony and Joe’s restaurant in Georgetown to raise money for victims and families.

“We are both with them in our hearts, in our prayers and in our thoughts, but very much so, even more, in our actions,” said Rachel Nyswander Thomas, a 1998 graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High.

The crowd quieted as 17 alumni illuminated hand held lights and named each of the victims.

“It must be very difficult,” said alumnus Jordan Usdan. “I’ve heard someone say it’s going to be the second most difficult day of their lives.”

There are more than 140 alumni from the high school in the D.C. area.

Donations raised at the event will provide relief and financial support for victims and families through the Broward Education Foundation.

D.C. area alumni have raised more than $10,000 for the victim’s fund; overall, $2.5 million has been raised so far.

WTOP’s Dick Uliano contributed to this report.