Fundraising Event for Woman Struck by Car Raises $22,000

Fabulous Women, a Petaluma-based organization that raises money for local families, is estimating that they've raised $22,000 at a Sunday benefit for Ling Murray, the Rohnert Park woman was injured and whose two-year-old daughter killed after being struck by a car in December.

Organizers estimated that more than 500 people turned out to Sally Tomatoes to raise money to help Murray defray rehabilitation costs.

“People are just throwing money at us,” said Karen McEntee, a Fabulous Women member, as she held up a handful of $5, $10 and $20 bills. Then she opened up the cashier’s box. It brimmed with stacks of checks, and was almost filled to the top with money. And that the fundraiser had just began.

“I think this is going to be our largest donation yet,” said Kerry Peachey, another member of the group. “I can’t count how much this is, it’s been so amazing.”

Although the goal was to raise money for medical expenses, many supporters have seized on the accident to raise awareness about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. 

“When you have such a tragic loss like this, it really should spark some sort of personal reflection," said Krista Gawronski, who founded Fabulous Women in 2006. "We're here to spread the message; today’s message is no texting and driving.”

During the event, which featured music by Wonderbread 5, attendees were asked to sign petitions vowing they would not use their phones while driving.

“On the back of our shirts, we have ‘distracted driving kills,’” said Jeff Murray, Ling's husband. “I’m not going to joke around, I’m not going to candy coat it — it’s a serious issue. If we don’t start it with the people, we can’t expect the law enforcement to cover everything they do.”

Jeff Murray also spoke about how the family has coped with the loss.

“Many people ask how do you get through this, I don’t know what I would do in your situation, I don’t know how to handle this,” Murray said. “This is how we handle it:  Look at you [helping us].”

Meanwhile, the Petaluma-based school group “It’s Nice to Be Nice,” rotated pan after pan of homemade cupcakes, cookies and cakes for a bake sale they organized.

“My class of fifth and sixth graders immediately said they wanted to do something to help the Murrays,” said Ani Larson, a teacher at Corona Creek Elementary in Petaluma. “Before the event even started today, my kids raised $5,000 for the family.”

The class also started a website for Ling and Jeff Murray, created “no texting and driving” thumb bands to serve as a visual reminder every time a person picks up the phone while driving to put it down, organized the bake sale and created art to auction off at the end of the day.

“It’s really sad that [Calli] died, and we wanted to help,” said Makenna Mattel, 11, and Julya Kinahan, 11, who are in Mrs. Larson’s class, almost simultaneously. 

Meanwhile, Ling Murray, who has been treated at a longterm rehabilitative facility and has metal plates and pins holding together the left side of her body, stood up to thank the community Sunday. 

“We love you,” she said.

Ling walked about 400 feet last week — those were the first steps she's taken since the accident. But she's staying strong, she said.

"No matter what, I have to keep trying," she said last week.

“I did my best to prepare Ling, to try to tell her how well the community is out there to support us,” Murray said. “It’s just incredible; every day is a new healing day, and we couldn’t be here today without the love and the support of everyone here.”

Ling choked back tears when the first responders to the accident, from Rohnert Park Public Safety, came to give her a hug.

“In our line of business, it’s rare to get to see the people we help,” said public safety officer David Sutter. “It’s hard seeing pictures of Calli because it’s a visual reminder of a day I think many of us want to forget.”

“To see her that night, and to see her now is pretty amazing,” said officer Rob Sagan. “But it’s tough seeing pictures of Calli.”