This photo of Ben Eastman was shared on social media by family members after he was reported missing Wednesday. On Thursday, deputies found a body in a shallow grave while investigating the disappearance. The body has not been formally identified yet.
For the second year, Salkum’s Brown Shack Tavern will host the “Blessings From Ben” event to raise money for the family of Benjamin Eastman, III, killed last year in Randle.
Two suspects have pleaded guilty of murder and other charges in his death, and several more have been charged in the case.
The event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Brown Shack Tavern at 155 Salkum Road off U.S. Highway 12.
Tavern owner Roxy Gootgeld told The Chronicle the event raised $3,500 last year and that she’s hopeful it will surpass that this year.
Wristbands for food and music cost $20. Music starts at 5 p.m. and food includes a seafood boil and burger bar. Proceeds go to the Eastman family, and Gootgeld noted Ben Eastman’s father, B.J. Eastman, has donated funds previously donated to him to other families who have lost loved ones.
For more information go to www.blessingsfromben.com.
