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LaGrange Highlands car wash benefits O’Laughlin fund
David Fiflis of Indian Head Park retaliates with soap after getting soaked by Emily Parkes of La Grange during Saturday's car wash. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: August 6, 2012 6:43AM
LAGRANGE HIGHLANDS — Business was brisk and patrons were generous at a car wash June 30 in LaGrange Highlands to benefit the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Fund.
“We raised enough money for one scholarship,” said organizer Mariah Walsh of the project’s $2,500 total. “We’re really happy about that.”
Walsh said being involved in a project was helpful in continuing to process the loss of her friend since kindergarten. The two girls attended La Grange Highlands Elementary and Middle schools and Lyons Township High School, where they started the past school year together as freshmen.
O’Laughlin, 14, was found stabbed to death in her Indian Head Park Home Oct. 27, after she confronted an intruder. John L. Wilson, 38, of Chicago, is awaiting trial on charges of murder, armed robbery, residential burglary, home invasion and aggravated unlawful restraint.
“This was really helpful to bring everyone together, honor our friend and help out with the memorial fund for scholarships.”
Walsh said she and other friends soliciting area businesses for gift cards and donations for a raffle during the carwash at the Pleasantview Fire Protection District station, where about 50 teens volunteered. Other teens made bracelets sold at the carwash.
“She was a good friend. It was fun to honor her,” Walsh said.
Donations to the scholarship fund may be made online at www.kellijoyolaughlinmemorialfund.com.
