Oakland Woman Gives Back To Honor Late Brother

OAKLAND, N.J. — An Oakland woman is remembering the 10th anniversary of her brother's death by giving to those in need with fundraising efforts.

Chris McLaughlin, passed away, but his sister Suzanne is hoping to host a charity website in honor of the 10th anniversary of his passing.
Photo Credit: *Suzanne McLaughlin*

Suzanne McLaughlin.
Photo Credit: *Facebook*

Chris McLaughlin and friends hang out.
Photo Credit: *Suzanne McLaughlin*

Chris McLaughlin, left, of Oakland with friends.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

Melissa Heule

12/28/2015 5:30 a.m.

Susan McLaughlin said her late brother, Chris, enjoyed organizing "McLaughstock — an annual Fourth of July fundraiser for different benefactors.

McLaughlin feels the fundraiser is the most suitable way to honor her brother's death.

“It’s been a landmark year,” McLaughlin said. "I want to make sure 100 percent of the donations go to a cause. I would love for it to focus on families in crisis.”

Chris McLaughlin died at age 23 after falling out of a tree on an Oakland Elks Club trip in 2005. The last McLaughstock was held one year later.

"We still had hundreds of T-shirts, and tried to hold the event, but we knew it wasn't the same without him."

Suzanne McLaughlin will be setting up an online fundraising site for people to donate in her brother's name.

“We weren’t very wealthy growing up," she said. "It would be nice to help someone this year."

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