PRAIRIEVILLE, La. (BRPROUD) — It was a packed restaurant, with people wearing the color yellow in honor of Allison Rice.
“Everybody’s desire to help right now is phenomenal,” said Paul Rice, Allison’s father.
Nearly three weeks after Rice’s death, Walk On’s in Prairieville hosted a fundraiser for the family. 10 percent of all proceeds were donated to the family.
“It kind of hit close to home you know. Being an LSU student as well and being a senior at LSU whenever I was 21 years old, you don’t wish that kind of news on any family,” said Megan Seneca, Assistant Manager, Walk On’s in Prairieville.
Allies’ father says the money will be used towards starting the Allison Rice foundation. A non-profit that will provide scholarships and focus on combating gun violence.
“Hopefully contributing to other community events to kind of temper towards mitigating the violence and you know these types of acts in our community,” he said.
From diapers to their high school ring ceremony, Gracie Foster, who works at Walk-Ons, grew up with Allie. She helped the restaurant find a way to give back.
“It’s been very hard, I want to cry, it’s been very hard,” said Foster. “She had a heart of gold and there wasn’t anybody who didn’t like her in a room.”
“It’s been said Allie is everybody’s daughter, everyone’s sister, you know, everyone’s niece, whatever. I mean, I really do feel like the community feels that way and has been responding in that in that manner,” said Paul.
Paul Rice says police do not have leads on the case, but the family is not losing hope.
Allison was killed while sitting in her car on Government Street on September 16.
