Employees and customers of Otto’s have started a “We Care” fund in memory of Christine Billmyer, the NIU student who died after being injured in a car accident Sunday morning.

Billmyer, who worked at Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Hwy., was a passenger in a car driven by Ann Smith, which was struck by a car driven by Demetrius Glenn. Smith, another employee, was treated for head injuries and released from Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

DeKalb police later arrested Glenn and charged him with reckless homicide, driving under the influence, driving on revocation and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Bob Daniels, owner of Otto’s, said the account was started at the American National Bank of DeKalb, 810 W. Lincoln Hwy., for two purposes. “We want to help with Ann and Christine’s medical bills, and develop some type of charity or scholarship in memory of Christine,” said Daniels.

Chris Como, a manager at Otto’s, said the fund was established after she received calls from people asking if they could do something to help Christine’s family.

“One woman called us and said she would make a donation to the DeKalb chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Christine’s name. We decided to start our own fund after getting other calls,” Como said.

Daniels said he and his employees are still planning what to do with the money. “We want to help people think a little more before they take that next drink. We want to tell patrons that bars stop serving them when they’ve had enough, because we care and don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”

The fund might be used for a courtesy car service, to be used by patrons of any DeKalb bar who were unable to drive home, Daniels said. “I know that type of service wouldn’t have prevented this accident, but maybe it will help someone else.”

Como said part of the money collected may be donated to a charity Billmyer was involved with. “Christine’s boyfriend told us she was very concerned with starving children, so we may make a donation in her memory.”

Como said visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S. Fourth St., on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A prayer service will follow the Saturday visitation.