RAVENNA, Mich. - Thursday night, the Ravenna Bulldogs didn't just cheer on their team, rather, a family in need of strength.
It's all in an effort to help the Kubasiak family, who is grieving the loss of two children following a car crash last week.
Erika Kubasiak,10, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her brother Peter,16, passed away from his injuries on Wednesday.
Emily Kubasiak,18, the driver in that crash, is still in the hospital recovering.
In honor of the family, several fundraisers were held at Thursday night's boys basketball game against Whitehall.
In addition, everyone wore white.
Before the game, there was a moment of silence.
Although silence is the last thing you'd think to hear at a varsity basketball game, Ravenna Superintendent, John VanLoon told FOX 17 Thursday that this wasn't just a game.
"Tonight, it’s about bringing community together and supporting one of our own," he said.
The community did just that; although over 700 white t-shirts were ordered, they still ran out.
In addition to the $10 t-shirts, baked goods were sold, there was a can food drive and cash donations were accepted too.
All of the proceeds will go directly to the Kubasiak Memorial Fund set up at Choice One Bank.
"It’s been a tough several days," said Vanloon. "It’s one of those things, you know, kids are resilient but they’re still struggling with this."
The crash happened around 7:20 a.m. Feb. 4 in front of the Muskegon County Fairgrounds, on Heights Ravenna Road near Wolf Lake Road in Sullivan Township.
Michigan State Police at the scene told FOX 17 that Emily was driving a vehicle east and was trying to pass when they struck another vehicle heading west. Erika, who was sitting in the backseat, was not wearing her seat belt, according to police.
"We’ve had counselors here every day helping deal with some of these issues, helping with the staff," Vanloon said, adding that it's even been tough on him.
Vanloon would like to thank all of the nearby school districts for their donations, along with all of the phone calls he's received from other states.
There will be a memorial service at Ravenna High next Wednesday, February 17th at 6 p.m.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.Their church has also set up the Kubasiak Memorial Fund and donations can be made to any Choice One branch.
