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News Feature

The Island
Originally published in Island Ad-Vantages, September 20, 2012
Community responds to death with benefits, support

by Jessica Brophy

Within three days of the death of Andrew Ray after he was struck by a vehicle in an incident on Saturday morning, September 15, two benefits were planned and a bank account opened to help the Ray family offset funeral costs.

A car hop will be held Friday, September 21, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sunshine Advent Christian Fellowship Center (across from the church). Organizer Kelly Pratt said hamburgers, hot dogs, crab rolls, fish sandwiches, pie, milkshakes and more will be served at the car hop.

The second event is a “Celebration of Life” and barbecue benefit on Saturday, September 22, starting at noon at the Island Community Center. A “memory board” is being created with images of Ray; those who wish to contribute an image can email those images to s.m.stanhope@gmail.com.

For those who are unable to attend these fundraising events, or who would prefer to make a direct donation, a fund has been set up at Camden National Bank. Cash can be brought to any bank branch for deposit, and checks can be made out to the Andy Ray Memorial Fund. Checks can be mailed to Stonington United Methodist Church, c/o Stephen York, P.O. Box 307, Stonington, ME 04681. Donations can be made anonymously if requested, otherwise names and donations will be presented to the family.

Many friends and relatives of Ray posted photos of him on Facebook and posted words recounting memories and condolences. A memorial of flowers, candles and other mementos has been created across from the Blue Hill Fire Department, on the site of the incident that led to Ray’s death.

For more information about the car hop, call Kelly Pratt at 460-5040. For more information about the celebration and barbecue, search Facebook for “Celebration of Life/Benefit for Andy Ray and Family” or call Katie Clark at 348-2873, Leslie McDonald-Rice at 367-2342 or Stephen York at 367-5807.

A wake will be held at Bragdon-Kelly Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 24. A memorial service will be held at the Island Community Center at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26. A private committal for family only is also planned.

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