What's the best way to help?

Question

A friend and her family were in an accident the other day. Her husband died, and she was injured. They've got three kids, and things are tough right now. We wanted to have some sort of benefit to raise some money for them. What type of thing is appropriate for this situation? I know a lot of people set up a memorial fund through a bank, but we didn't really want to go that route. A spaghetti dinner? Please help!

Answer 1

You are such a good friend!  The same thing happened to my husband's sister; her husband died following an accident and she's permanently disabled (no kids, though).

I think a spaghetti dinner is a great idea, but unless you hold in in a large hall, you're limited to the number of people you can have.  If you have several families, you could have one of those progressive dinners where each family serves a different course and you go around to everyone's house.  Or how about a bake sale, or a karaoke night with a raffle (friends could donate prizes)?

Here are some suggestions that I found: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/getinvolved/rais...  It's British (in case you're American), but you can use or adapt many of the ideas (like the Dress Down Day).

I wish you great success.

Answer 2

I am so sorry to hear about this.  First - BE THERE.  Are you taking over some of the responsibilities in her home and for her kids?  Can you and your friends do a rotation to help cook and clean and help her family out?  

Do both a Memorial Fund AND a spaghetti dinner.  Let people know about both.

You're a good friend.