
By Neil Doyle
NORMAL – The family of Charlie Crabtree has decided to honor his legacy by giving back to the community just as he once did.
Crabtree, 72, died Dec. 5 after a Normal West bus crashed head on with a semi on I-74.
Crabtree was a long time volunteer at the school as a scorekeeper, P.A. announcer and highly dedicated fan.
After seeing how much Charlie meant to the community, Crabtree’s daughter Nikki Segobiano said the family decided to create the #LiveLikeCharlie fund.
“He made a friend everywhere he went but I didn’t realize how much he truly touched people,” said Segobiano. “It motivated me even more to spread kindness to people so I came up with the hashtag #LiveLikeCharlie.”
The family recently held an apparel fundraiser with custom #LiveLikeCharlie clothing. The fundraiser ended Monday and over 120 orders were placed.
“The money raised will go towards the fund and will be donated to the students in Unit 5, different charities and also random acts of charity to put a smile on people’s faces just like my dad did,” Segobiano added.
Segobiano said more fundraisers to honor her father’s legacy are planned for the future.
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]