Community

Riverhead lacrosse players hosting Lawrence fundraiser at Digger’s

Former Riverhead High School lacrosse players are holding a fundraising Feb. 26 at Digger’s Ales N’ Eats to establish a scholarship in Danielle Lawrence’s memory.

The 17-year-old and her mother, Tanya, 43, were killed Sunday night in their Wading River home by Ms. Lawrence’s boyfriend, Thomas Calhoun, 44, who then committed suicide, according to police.

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Danielle’s father, Tony, started Riverhead’s lacrosse program and was the team’s first coach. He resigned after eight seasons in 2010.

The team’s former manager, Kelsey Stark, 26, of Riverhead, has volunteered to be the guest bartender for the fundraiser. She said Digger’s will provide free snacks during the event and all tips and donations collected between 6 to 8 p.m. will benefit the Lawrence Support Fund to establish the memorial scholarship.

Ms. Stark said she got the guest bartending fundraising idea from her grandfather’s involvement with Heidi’s Helping Angels benefits.

“My whole family was involved with lacrosse and I’ve know Tony for years,” she said. “If I ever need anything, he’ll be there at the drop of a hat.”

Ms. Stark said she’s very appreciative of the community’s support for Mr. Lawrence following Sunday’s tragedy.

On Tuesday, Mr. Lawrence’s former players reconnected on the Riverhead lacrosse alumni Facebook group and launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to help their coach with funeral costs. As of 10 p.m. Thursday, $23,845 had been raised.

“We’re all blown away by it,” she said about the community’s support. “We want to keep that love going.”

To donate to the Lawrence Support Fund, visit http://www.gofundme.com/mn2ok0.

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