MILWAUKEE — The day before a Milwaukee mother is set to lay her two daughters to rest, the community gathered to support the family at a fundraiser Sunday afternoon.
6-year-old Alisa Gee and 4-year-old Amea Gee were killed in a hit-and-run that took place near 22nd and Center last Thursday. The two girls were crossing the street while holding hands with their 10-year-old cousin, according to court documents. That's when a car drove in the bike lane passing stopped cars, hitting all three children and taking off.
Alisa was killed at the scene. Amea passed away several days later, according to authorities.
Their cousin is expected to recover.
Rita Lee said she doesn't know the family of the young sisters, but she felt that organizing a fundraiser was the right thing to do. The gathering was held at Project Hope Youth Center on Brown Street.
"When I saw it on the news I was just devastated to know that she lost two daughters. Having three daughters of my own, I can just feel her pain," Lee said. "This pain is unimaginable so I had to do something."
She said that dozens of people came throughout the afternoon to enjoy some food and show their support.
"It's not going to heal or make things go away, but it will help a little bit," Lee said.
Those who attended the fundraiser were looking to show support.
"I just can't imagine, you know, what the family is going through," said Stafford Wade.
Wade is a father of three, and although he doesn't know the family, he felt it was important to be there.
"Any kid getting hurt is just a sad situation, and let alone the issues in Milwaukee that we have with reckless drivers, it just got to come to an end, it just got to stop," Wade said.
The funeral for Alisa and Amea will be at Jerusalem M.B.C. at 2505 W. Cornell Street on November 4. Visitation is scheduled at 10 a.m. with services beginning at 12 p.m.
