'It means a lot:' Zyszkiewicz's support Irvine family at The Packing House fundraiser
MILWAUKEE -- One night before the funeral of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Charles Irvine Jr., The Packing House held a fundraiser for his family.
Friday, June 15 the restaurant donated $1 for every fish fry sold to Irvine's family. In the past, The Packing House did the same for another Milwaukee family struck by tragedy: Greg "Ziggy" Zyszkiewicz, the City of Milwaukee housing inspector shot and killed in an attempted carjacking.
Greg "Ziggy" Zyszkiewicz
The Zyszkiewiczs were at the fundraiser to show their support for the Irvine family.
The Packing House fundraiser for family of Charles Irvine Jr.
"We wanted to do something that struck a chord with us, both my father and grandfather were police officers," said Chris Wiken, The Packing House.
"The community has always been so supportive towards my family that I feel like I have to do the same," said Ola Zyszkiewicz, Ziggy's wife.
Ziggy Zyszkiewicz was on the job when he was shot and killed last year. The Packing House raised funds for them at the time.
The Packing House fundraiser for family of Charles Irvine Jr.
Ola Zyszkiewicz
"I never met Chris before my tragedy and he reached out to us. I was so taken, it's still hard. It was so kind of him and the community. Like I've said they've been very supportive," said Ola.
With every donation from every fish fry, the support is more than monetary. The Zyszkiewiczs know all too well.
"It means a lot. The people are just, it's a reminder that there are still people, really good people, caring people out there so that meant a lot. That meant a lot and it still does. That doesn't go away so I just felt we had to come out and show our support," said Ola.
The Packing House fundraiser for family of Charles Irvine Jr.
The Packing House says not only are they donating for every fish fry sold, people were coming in to drop off cash and checks for the Irvine family.
The Packing House fundraiser for family of Charles Irvine Jr.