NEW ALBANY, Ind. — It was a packed evening at New Albany's Board and You Bistro & Wine Bar as people grabbed dinner for a cause. The restaurant is donating 10% of the proceeds to the Gerlach family's GoFundMe.
The community is gripped by the fatal shooting of Corydon Central High School football player, Bryce Gerlach at Harvest Homecoming Saturday evening.
"You just feel a connection to this kid even though you don't know the story and I just feel for everyone involved," Board and You customer Melissa Strigler said.
She saw the post about the restaurant's fundraiser on Facebook and knew she wanted to do what she could to help. Her mind goes to the vigil held for Gerlach, Sunday evening.
The restaurant has connections Gerlach, remembering the shock that went through the staff the night of the shooting.
"We have a lot of employees who were great friends of his, so we just wanted to support them and help support his family as well," Zack Flanagan, Board and You owner, said.
Flanagan estimated $350 to $400 would be raised to give to the Gerlach family.
"So, do the simple things because it will I think trickle down somehow and help that family in way that they probably don't even realize," Strigler said.
Corydon is coming together too. Lazy Cow Creamery and Sweets right down the street from the school where Gerlach played football has a fundraiser planned for Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. What A Spud's trailer will be set up outside selling potatoes as well.
"Harrison County is a small county and it's tight," What a Spud owner John Hurley said. "It's just a tragedy what happened and not that money can take and make things better, we just try to raise some money to help the family out in whichever way they need it."
All of the proceeds made from those five hours will go to the Gerlach family.
"I couldn't fathom, me and my wife, my daughter, my son-in-law, just couldn't fathom loosing a loved one like that and it just seems like the least we could do," Hurley said.
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