Friends rally to aid of Easterbrooks family

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By DIANE STRAND KINGSTON - Friends and relatives of Ryan Easter-brooks are rallying to help his family with a major fundraiser at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23., at the Varsity Pub in Kingston. Easterbrooks, 35, was killed in a head-on collision on Route 72, near New Lebanon Road July 17. He leaves a wife, Kim, a stay-at-home mom, and their three children, Li’l Ryan, 9, who will be a fourth grader at Genoa Elementary School, Ravyn, 8, a third grader at Kingston Elementary, and Ryder, 2. Their health insurance will expire at the end of August. “Ryan was a carpet layer and one who was always willing to jump in and help in moving or watching the kids. He was a great husband and a great dad,” his sister-in-law, Angie Lauderdale, said. “He was also the sole provider. The children are shaken up, but in one sense it’s good they’re so young. Kim is a trooper.” Lauderdale expressed great appreciation for Jerry Kline, owner of the Varsity Pub, who will host the fundraiser, and will donate half of all food and drink sales to the family. “We would like to invite everyone to come help us celebrate Ryan’s life at the benefit and to help support his wonderful family," Lauderdale said. "Both Ryan and Kim are the types of people who are used to helping others and not used to receiving help.” There will be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction at the fundraiser, with great prizes, including a 1996 authentic Michael Jordan jersey, an authentic Devin Hester jersey and tickets to Chicago Bears, Cubs and Sox games. There also will be dancing at 9 p.m. to music provided by DJ Jamie Fry. For more information, call Michelle Long at 815-451-8455, or Lauderdale at 815-784-2174.