INDIANAPOLIS — The Ronald McDonald House will honored the legacy of Larry “The Can Man” Van Ness Monday morning.
Van Ness, who was known for collecting pop tabs in order to raise money for the Ronald McDonald house, tragically passed away in October after being hit by a car.
Van Ness was about to reach his 27 millionth pop tab donation for the Ronald McDonald house before his accident.
His friend and caregiver, Rachel Lee Landers continued to keep “The Can Man” legacy alive by collecting 800,000 pop tabs to contribute to his goal.
"He's keeping me just as busy as he ever did, even without him being here,” Landers said. “He started something 19 and a half years ago that he had no idea what it would be at this point in time. The legacy he’s leaving behind is pretty amazing."
Landers was present at the Ronald McDonald house event to drop off the tabs and to receive a plaque celebrating 27 million pop tabs — a tradition started to honor Van Ness after every millionth tab he collected.
The Madison County community also contributed by collecting over 550,000 pop tabs to finish “Larry’s Last Million.”
Van Ness’s efforts have raised more than $12,000 for the Ronald McDonald house.
-
Ceasefire Indy holds 4th annual Friendsgiving to serve community, honor Ron Gee
Ron Gee would cook the food for the annual event himself to feed as many people as he could ahead of Thanksgiving. Now, in his absence, his family continued the Friendsgiving in his honor.1 critically injured, 1 killed in shooting on Indy’s east side
One person was critically injured, and one was killed in a shooting on the east side of Indianapolis early Sunday morning.Man killed in shooting on Indy’s northeast side
One person died after being shot in the 2400 block of East 38th Street on the northeast side of Indianapolis Saturday night.Thanksgiving turkey giveaway helps hundreds in need
On Saturday, New Direction Church held its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Arlington Middle School, and hundreds lined the streets.