A fundraiser to help raise money for the Lexy Hughan Memorial Fund has gotten bigger thanks to community donations.

Alexis Hughan was killed Dec. 31 in Jamestown in a hit-and-run accident.

Hughan was active in many aras at the Infinity Visual and Performing Arts program. She was actively involved in music, theater, acting, dance and art. She performed numerous times on Infinity’s stage and in the community on piano, ukulele, vocals, and also participated in dance groups, bands, and musical theater opportunities.

“Lexy’s mom Sara is an instructor at Infinity and is also our site coordinator, and she will help in the development of classes to ensure they capture Lexy’s interests and the spirit behind her personality. We are honored to have been a small piece of her life during her time here with us. Our hearts continue to go out to Sara, Jeff, and Lexy’s family and friends at this time,” said Shane Hawkins, Infinity executive director.

Infinity was first approached by local community member, Missy Paterniti, to help begin Lexy’s Memorial fund.

“After learning of the tragedy in my hometown and knowing both of Lexy’s parents, I wanted to do something special,” Paterniti said. “I reached out to a buddy (owner of Ballgame Heroes in Jamestown) and he didn’t hesitate to donate a Josh Allen jersey. I thought this was perfect since learning how much of a passion this young girl (at the age of 15) had for Infinity Visual and Performing Arts and what they offer to area students. Her passions were that of an adult. I’m glad this fundraiser was created and I’m glad it’s going to help a lot of area students.”

Ballgame Heroes, donors of the Josh Allen jersey, added, “Sometimes it unfortunately takes a tragedy to show how tight-knit a small town really can be. When we collectively come together, we can do a lot of good. Ballgame Heroes’ thoughts are with Lexy’s family.”

What began as a Josh Allen autographed jersey giveaway soon turned into a much larger footprint than Infinity expected, with three three additional autographed jerseys being donated by community members; Gib Taylor, Exceptional Stars Athletes, and one donor who wished to remain anonymous.

The lineup of Buffalo Bills jerseys now available for Infinity’s Lexy Hughan Memorial Fund raffle include; Josh Allen, Zack Moss, Eric Moulds, and Fred Jackson. Each jersey is autographed.

“On behalf of the kids of Exceptional Stars Athletics, we are honored to help support Lexy’s Memorial Fund,” said Rich Bianco, Exceptional Stars Athletes director. “We feel that music and theater are incredibly valuable to our youth in today’s society. It is apparent that music and theater were a huge part of Lexy’s life, so we at ESA feel it is important that we support that.”

Raffle tickets are $20 each and are available through Jan. 26 at Ballgame Heroes in Jamestown, Sneakers Bar in Jamestown and the Infinity Center in Jamestown or online at www.infinityperformingarts.org/shop. Winner need not be present to win. Winners will be drawn at Sneaker’s Bar on Jan. 27, which would have been Alexis’s 16th birthday.

“Lexy was always one to help others; whether it was a new or younger student who needed encouragement or a peer that needed a friend,” said Stephanie Rogers, Infinity’s grants and marketing coordinator. “She made everyone feel welcome. That’s really what this memorial fund will be for; creating more classes at the Infinity Center that Lexy would have enjoyed or wanted to see happen at Infinity. And of course, we’ll instill those same values of kindness, friendship, encouragement, and confidence building that Lexy embodied into the classes as well.”

For more information about Infinity, Lexy’s Memorial Fund, or to register for lessons and classes with any of the instructor mentors at Infinity, visit www.infinityperformingarts.org/register or contact Infinity at 716-664-0991 or info@infinityperformingarts.org. Infinity is currently offering both in-person and virtual learning options.