CHAPEL HILL – The 2nd Annual Ray of Hope Brunch is Sunday at The Carolina Club to honor former UNC mascot Jason Ray. He was the victim of a hit-and-run accident in 2007.

Jason’s mother, Charlotte Ray, says it’s a chance to celebrate her son. Because Jason was an organ donor, the Ray family started the Jason Ray Foundation.

“It was really hard for us to lose Jason. But, we thought and thought of what we could do. We’re hoping that helping other people will show that there is some good that can come of Jason’s death,” said Charlotte.

The brunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and lasts till 2 p.m. In addition to brunch, there will be a silent and live auction. Proceeds will benefit the Jason Ray Foundation and the families of transplant patients at UNC Hospitals.

Jason was traveling with the men’s basketball team at the NCAA Regional in New Jersey, when a car struck him as he was walking back from getting dinner. Jason died three days after the accident.

March 23 was the sixth anniversary of his death.

If the group can raise a million dollars to increase awareness and aid organ donation, the UNC Center for Transplant Care Clinic will be named in Jason’s memory. The Foundation has raised about $200,000 so far.

“That’s going to be a wonderful thing if we can do it because it’ll help so many people. And you never know who it could help – or someone in their family,” Charlotte Ray said.

Tickets are $50 each and sponsorships are available.

“I’m just so excited by the people that want to participate, the people who want to help,” Charlotte Ray said.

April is Organ Donation Awareness Month.

Click here for ticket information.

If you would like to be seated with friends at the brunch, email jrayorg@aol.com with the names of your friends.

For sponsorship information, please email marycarey@nc.rr.com.