CHICAGO — Organizers said more than $10,000 was raised for Clint Reif's family at a Sunday event for the late Blackhawks assistant equipment manager at The Ogden on the Near West Side.
"I just think it's absolutely phenomenal," said co-organizer Jene LaRue, a Lakeview native. "Hockey is family."
LaRue, a longtime Blackhawks fan who had met Reif a few times but who does not know the Reif family, wanted to conduct the fundraiser to help Reif's wife and her three daughters and son.
There were 50-plus donations of items auctioned off, including a painting from Brian Schuster with 23 player autographs that fetched $2,500, LaRue said. Other items included autographed sticks from Bryan Bickell and Scott Darling that raised several hundred dollars, LaRue said. Darling's family also came to help collect raffle tickets at the event, LaRue said.
More than 225 people attended, LaRue said.
"It was a fantastic event," LaRue said.
Reif, 34, died Dec. 21, and the Blackhawks later that day dedicated a 4-0 win over Toronto to him. Both the Hawks and Washington Capitals honored Reif with "CR" decals on their helmets for the teams' Winter Classic on Jan. 1.
Reif's wife, Kelly, in January said: "I am so incredibly grateful for all the generosity, love and support that my family and I have received through this difficult time."
Donations can continue to be made to: The Clint Reif Memorial Fund, C/O JP Morgan Chase Bank, 120 E. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL 60187.
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