Panini's planning benefit for families of Brunswick victims

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Panini's in Brunswick is planning a huge benefit on Monday, hoping to raise up to $25,000 for the families of the Brunswick teens that died in a car crash early Sunday morning.

The restaurant will give away free meals from 11 a.m. to midnight. Wendy Kovarik, manager of Panini's, said customers will be encouraged to make donations. 100 percent of the money raised will go towards a memorial fund for the victims.

"We're going to give away complimentary meals and ask that the patrons donate their money that would have been spent on the food to the families," Kovarik said.

Some employees of the restaurant are friends or neighbors of the victims.

"We're part of the Brunswick community. These children are just like our family and we want to give back to the community," Kovarik said.

The restaurant will give away boxed meals at Brunswick High School during the same timeframe on Monday.

Kovarik said the high school giveaway will allow friends of the victims to gather and play their favorite music.

Jeff Chaya, Blake Bartchak, Kevin Fox and Lexi Poerner died when their speeding car jumped railroad tracks on Boston Road in Columbia Township, and flipped over into a ditch. Julia Romito was the only survivor and is home recovering with a concussion, a broken finger and chipped teeth.

Panini's is just one of many Brunswick businesses giving support and helping with the healing process.

Donut Land donated dozens of donuts during a candlelight vigil. The owner, Bill Rienerth, said he's also considering starting a collection for the families inside his business.

"When the community has a disaster like that, you want to just do whatever you can to be helpful," Rienerth said.

Arkay Floral and Gifts also created and gave away several blue ribbons for family, friends and community members to wear.

Sherry Eyssen, general manager of the shop, said this week has been very emotional because her employees are creating many of the floral arrangements for the victims' services.

"I think people come together whenever things like this happen and try to show support and encouragement to the people that have to deal with this. I wish we didn't have to face this week. It has been very hard," Eyssen said.