NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — People are coming together for Newport News Police Officer Katie Thyne and her family, including the staff at Midtown Eats at Sandbar in Newport News.
The restaurant is doing its part to honor the officer's legacy. Employees are holding a barbecue benefit.
This weekend they're selling meals and collection donations, all of which will go into a trust fund for Thyne's 2-year-old daughter Reagan.
“Her mom gave her life for our community. The least we could do is try to help Reagan have a better start to life,” kitchen manager Julie Brown said.
The Newport News Police Foundation started the Officer Katie Thyne Memorial Fund. One-hundred percent of the donations are going into that trust fund.
Brown said they're partnering with other businesses to help make this benefit as big as possible, such as Game’s Farmers Market and Tucanos Brazilian Grill.
“We have enough for about 500 people, so that's a lot of money for this young girl,” Brown said.
Other businesses and organizations are also setting up donation drives, including 7-Eleven, which is collecting donations in several of its stores.
Brown said for them, it's the least they can do.
“We just want to make sure the family is okay and have a good start to an unfortunate new life,” Brown said.
The BBQ benefit is this Saturday, February 8 at Midtown Eats on J Clyde Morris Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You can donate to the fund here.