William Pettry was killed last weekend while in Jacksonville, Florida to see the Bears game.
Guests at the Wrigleyville fundraiser bid up to $1,000 for signed Chicago Bears memorabilia. The proceeds will go to the family of murdered Bears fan Chris Pettry, who for this one night set aside their sorrow to celebrate Pettry's life in the company of current and former Bears players.
"This is the party he would have loved to have right here," said Pettry's wife, Karen Pettry. "He may not be here physically but he's here in our hearts."
An avid Chicago Bears fan, the 42-year old father of three was in Jacksonville last week to watch the Bears play against the Jaguars. He never made it to the game.
The night before, while at a local restaurant, a complete stranger fatally slashed his throat for no apparent reason. The news shocked many in the Bears organization, prompting the Bears tight end to host the fundraiser.
"Us coming together and helping them out is what's right," Davis said. "We're a community at large. I had the opportunity to come out and help them. Who am i not to do that?"
Former fullback Jason Mackie and offensive tackle Chris Spencer were also in attendance.
"Anybody can write a check, but if we can come out and show our face so the family can have some comfort and see that people care and we can be here, that helps a whole lot," Spencer said.
Chris Pettry was the sole breadwinner for his family and the money raised will make a huge difference in their lives.
"He was just a great guy, there was nothing bad about him," said Pettry's daughter, Alexandra.
"He worked 20 hours a day," Karen Pettry said. "Whatever to make sure we were able to survive. His family was so important to him. That's all he thought about, work and how to support his family."
The goal for the fundraiser was $100,000 and organizers said it is just starting. A haunted house featuring Bears players in costume is planned for later on this month.
