DECATUR - Harvey Williams wants to ensure that his late grandson, Brandon R. Read, is remembered.

On Saturday, the second 3-on-3 basketball tournament to raise money for the scholarship fund bearing Read's name will be held at MacArthur High School. Read was a graduate of MacArthur.

"St. Peters (African Methodist Episcopal) Church wanted to do something on behalf of Brandon to bring consciousness to the fact that crime affects a person who is trying to live his life right and do things the right way," Williams said. Read was a member of the church, too.

Read was killed in a drive-by shooting in spring 2007. He was not the intended target and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Williams said he hopes to get a law passed forcing perpetrators of such crimes to make restitution to the victim's family to help with funeral expenses.

"I want to make them mindful of the fact that it puts undue burdens on the family," Williams said. "Not only does it hurt and devastate the family (to lose someone that way), but financially, it hurts the family as well."

The tournament will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with remarks by state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, Macon County Sheriff Tom Schneider and Decatur Police Chief Jim Anderson, who will talk to youth about crime prevention.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to the Brandon R. Read Scholarship Fund. St. Peters is working with Richland Community College and Millikin University to develop matching funds for the scholarship. Williams also hopes businesses and individuals will contribute.

Donations can be sent to St. Peters AME Church, earmarked for the Brandon R. Read Scholarship Fund, Box 3304, Decatur, IL 62526.

The cost to play in the tournament is $20 per team, and Williams said he expects 100 to 150 players. To register, call Williams at 875-3739.

vwells@herald-review.com|421-7982