A West Virginia University professor organized an event that raised more than $8,000 to benefit the family of sophomore political science major Ryan Diviney.
Earlier this month, Daniel Brewster, a sociology professor and two of Ryan's friends held a fundraising dinner at Dragonfly restaurant in Morgantown. The event aimed to aid the Diviney family with Ryan's high medical costs.
Brewster said money is still being calculated from the silent auction, which could bring the total to $9,000 by the end of the week.
"It was definitely a big success, and we definitely got more than I expected," Brewster said. "I anticipated around 200 to 300 people, but Dragonfly said we had a little over 700."
Ryan, who remains in a coma, was attacked outside the Willey Street Dairy Mart Nov. 7 at 3:10 a.m.
Jonathan May, 18, and Austin Vantrease, 18, of Newark, Del. were charged with malicious assault in connection with the beating. A trial date of July 16 has been set for the two teens.
On April 22, Ryan moved from his home in Ashburn, Va., to the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in northern New Jersey. The Institute specializes in rehabilitation programs for individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries.
Ken Diviney, Ryan's father, said Ryan has three hours of therapy a day and has adjusted to life at the Institute.
"I don't sense any stress in him at all," Ken said. "Right now, (the Institute) is trying to figure out where he is and what type of treatment they want to provide for him. It seems to be an excellent facility."
Recently, doctors said Ryan no longer needs a tracheostomy tube to help him breathe. They are planning on removing the tube once Ryan's skull has been fully healed, Ken said.
Ryan also received his first shower in six months while at the Institute, Ken said. Up until now, Ryan had only been receiving sponge baths from his family.
"He was nice, calm and relaxed. He looked like he might have been enjoying it," he said.
Monday, Ken posted an update to the Facebook group, Come Together for Ryan Diviney.
"We've noticed twitching around his eyes and hope this is a sign that the nervous system is regenerating," Ken said in the update. "I know this is early, but the decision to bring him to Kessler seems to be the right one."
Brewster said monetary donations are still being collected for the fundraiser, and items from the auction can still be bought.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Ryan's Rally fund.
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