Fundraiser for family who lost son in car crash raises $10K

A fundraiser to help an American Fork couple who lost their son and suffered serious injuries in a Christmas Eve car crash raised close to $10,000 Saturday.

The event, organized by several of Kelly Pack's childhood friends, "far exceeded" their goal of raising $2,000, bringing in $9,558.70 with a silent auction, bake sale, yard sale and concessions.

"We all worked very hard to make this event successful," said co-organizer Lacey Yates. "We couldn't be happier with the end result."

Scores of people, many who didn't know the Pack family but were moved by their tragic story, made donations at the Lehi event.

"We would like to thank all the local businesses and people that stepped forward with auction items and donations," said co-organizer Roni Nielsen. "They, too, helped make this event a success."

Ryan and Kelly Pack were driving home from a family Christmas party in West Jordan on Dec. 24 with their two sons, Finn, 3, and Colum, 18 months. The two parents and youngest child were critically injured after an SUV jumped a landscaped median and slammed head-on into their car.

Colum Pack died from his injuries on Christmas Day.

The driver is uninsured, and medical bills are piling up for the family. Kelly Pack was released from the hospital only on Friday, after undergoing several surgeries on every limb. She is still in a wheelchair, and people donated the materials and built the ramps she needed to navigate her home. Ryan Pack was able to return home earlier, but he is still walking only with assistance. Both will have to undergo months of rehabilitation.

"This is going to be a very long road ahead for the Pack family, but we will stand by and help all we can," said co-organizer Shannon Jorgensen.

Those interested in making a donation may visit www.kellypack.com to donate online or find a list of banks and credit unions that have accounts set up in the Pack family's name.

smcfarland@sltrib.com

Twitter: @sheena5427