Alumni Host Fundraiser for Rusticus Family

In honor of their former classmate Andrew Rusticus ’05 and in an effort to help the family left behind after his death, more than 150 alumni, friends, and family members held a fundraiser on campus April 28. Rusticus, 29, died of an apparent heart attack on Saturday, February 25.

Many fundraisers have been held to help Rusticus’s wife Michelle ’07 and their daughters Baylee Noel, 3, and Libby Grace, three months. The family-friendly event at Trinity raised over $5,500 and included a bean bag tournament, cookout, and activities for the children.

Alumnus Tony Gabrielse ’05 worked with Trinity’s alumni office to arrange the event.

“Family was a top priority for Andy. As Andy’s friends, we wanted to step up and help support the family he loved,” said Gabrielse. “The Rusticus benefit was planned not only to help raise money for the family, but also to serve as an encouragement to the Rusticus and Cooke families and let them know they are in many people’s thoughts and prayers.”

“It was a huge team effort of Andy’s friends coming together and making it happen,” said Eric Lindemulder ’05. “The event was a great example of the Christian community of Trinity. Leave it to Andy to bring friends together who haven’t seen each other in many years to share stories, catch up, enjoy some friendly competition, and support Michelle.”      

For those who would like to help the family, visit www.andyslittleangels.com. To view photos of the fundraiser, please visit the photogallery.