Watch CBS News

Friends Of Hadiya Pendleton Hold Volleyball Fundraiser

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Family and friends of a teen shot and killed weeks ago are raising funds to help keep her legacy of excellence alive. Hadiya Pendleton's family and friends gathered at a charity volleyball game in her honor Tuesday night.

CBS 2's Pamela Jones was there.

They hit the court with energy and smiles.

But Tuesday night's volleyball game was bittersweet for the King College Prep Jaguars.

"We were saying how it's really awesome that we can play the sport that Hadiya wanted. But then, Hadiya is not here," said Hadiya Pendleton's best friend, Kyra Pendleton.

Pendleton spoke out against street violence who but a gang member shot and killed her by mistake weeks ago at a Chicago park.

Tuesday night, Pendelton's team celebrated her life, playing in shirts dedicated to her.

"I didn't finish out the volleyball season because I kind of quit. But Hadiya was always telling me come back to the team," said another of Pendleton's friends, Klyn Jones," Today, I was just thinking, I'm gonna give my all to this game."

It's the kind of heartwarming devotion that left the slain teen's family awestruck.

"It makes me real proud," said Pendleton's dad, Nathaniel Pendleton.

"It's awesome," said Pendleton's mom, Cleopatra Cowley Pendleton.
The emblem on the shirts the team wore is "Set peace spike violence".

They're volleyball terms that reinforce Pendleton's desire to preserve only the positive in her community.

Proceeds from shirt and snack sales at Tuesday night's game at the 360 Volleyball Academy will help fund a volleyball camp scholarship.

Pendleton's loved ones want to make sure more young women can get in on the game.
"If we raise enough money, which our goal is approximately $10,000, we will afford the opportunity for 50 girls to attend camp this summer," Pendleton's mom said.
The shirts are $15.

You can find out more about how to donate on a Facebook page set up for tonight's event.
Just click here or search "Set peace spike violence."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.