Charity ride held in honor of Chrisyah Stephens

SOUTH BEND, Ind.--- A charity bike and car ride was held for the family of Chrisyah Stephens on Monday. More than 100 people participated in the ride for Stephens who was killed in a drive-by shooting at a birthday party on August 29th.

"I felt compelled in my heart to reach out and do something," said Jerome Boyd, the event's organizer. "I reached to people in our community to come together. Let’s put a ride together for this little girl and her family. "

The ride was put together in just two days and had people who lived as far away as Chicago participate.

"The whole community coming around for her is the sweetest thing anybody can do for her," said Christianna Taylor, Stephens' sister. "For all the things she’s done for so many people, making them smile, it’s a great smile day."

Chrisyah's loved ones are hoping her death will lead to positive change, shine a spotlight on the problem of gun violence, and encourage the community to come together as one. 

"Every time I look at pictures and videos of her it starts to come back to me how it’s real and how we need to stop the gun violence it’s not right," said Taylor.  "It could’ve been any of their family members or someone who really matters to them."

Chrisyah Stephen's funeral will be Tuesday at noon at Greater St. Matthew Church in South Bend. Visitation will be from 10 till noon.