Savannah community rallies to support family of Target shooting victim at local restaurant

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - An argument over a parking space has left a Savannah family grieving, but the community is stepping in to help.

Matthew Traywick was shot and killed on January 4th in the parking lot of a Target on Abercorn Street. Police have arrested Tyler Linn in connection with the shooting.

Now, local businesses and friends are coming together to support Traywick’s wife, Mikayla, and their family.

On Thursday night, Midtown Sports Grill in Savannah hosted a packed fundraiser benefiting the Traywick family. Friends of Mikayla organized the event to help ease the financial burden following the tragedy.

Summer Ivanowski, owner of Midtown Sports Grill, said the cause hit close to home.

“Being a mom myself, I can’t imagine going through the things that she’s going through, so we just want to do everything we can to help her,” Ivanowski said.

The fundraiser featured raffled baskets donated by local businesses, with all proceeds going directly to the Traywick family.

The outpouring of support has been remarkable, with community members stepping up in meaningful ways.

Dylan Hughes, a bartender at Spankys, witnessed the generosity firsthand.

“I’m just here to support and help in any way I possibly can because that’s just a really dear friend [who] needs any help she can get right now,” Hughes said. “A lot of donations have already come in and people like one lady today—she came in and bought a raffle ticket and she didn’t even want her name on it.”

The support for the Traywick family doesn’t stop with Thursday’s fundraiser.

Another benefit event is scheduled for February 20 at Spankys on the southside.

Additionally, friends and family have started a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses.