For raffles for injured Marine's family nets more than $300

MONROE-The first 50/50 raffle to raise money for the family of a U.S. Marine shot in the head by a sniper in Iraq netted $165. The raffle, which is sponsored by American Self Defense in Monroe, will be held every Friday night until Marine Cpl. Eddie Ryan is released from a military hospital. Ryan is the 21-year-old son of Chris Ryan of Kerhonkson, who has been a kick box instructor at American Self Defense for a number of years. Like his son, Chris Ryan served in the Marines. The younger Ryan is a member of Scout Sniper Platoon, Unit 32, who arrived in Iraq in February. He was wounded April 13 in an engagement outside of Bagdad. When the military relocated the young Marine to a hospital in Maryland, his father quit his job as a heavy equipment operator in New York City to be at his side. He remains there today with his son in a semi-conscious state. According to family friend, Russ Ferdico, the winner of last Friday's $165 raffle was Woodbury Police Sgt. Kevin Watson. The owner of the gym is trying to contact Kevin to let him know. Ferdico also said the gym has raised an additional $185 from people who have come to watch amateur fighting competitions. The winner donated the money back to the Ryan family, but left before Ferdico could get his name. on a Friday night and we had one at the gym last night. We raised an additional $185 from the attendees and a gentleman in the audience won, he donated his winnings back to Chris Ryan and his family. The winner left before I could get his name. Tickets are $5 each. All proceeds will go directly to the Ryan family. The raffle will be held every Friday until Ryan and his son come home.. If you would like to help out you can either stop by the gym any day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. or mail your contribution with your name and phone number to: American Self Defense, 9 Fairway Drive, Monroe, N.Y. 10950. The phone number is: 783-8055.