MADISON, Wis. -- The Mifflin Street Block Party is the annual bash that brings thousands to downtown streets on Saturday.

"Just partying, seeing all your friends at one time, people you don't see during the year, just a great time," said to University of Wisconsin senior Rachel Roggi.

But, in addition to the usual festive atmosphere of the Block Party, revelers noticed a new rallying cry this year: "Pizza! Remember Brittany Zimmermann!" came the repeated shout from volunteer Joann Gonnering.

Those who knew and loved the slain 21-year-old UW student were honoring her by doing something that she wanted to do in life: Help others.

The money raised through the Brittany Zimmermann Memorial Fund will help students who are, like Brittany was, paying their own way through school.

"Education was very important to Brittany and she had a very tough time getting financial aid and all that stuff she needed for school," said Brittany's best friend Jenna Kressalt.

Gonnering has a special reason for helping.

"Because she would've been my daughter-in-law and she was a wonderful young woman," she said.

Even while enjoying themselves, many students stop by to remember and to donate what they can.

"It hit close to home when our neighborhood and where we live and grew up and we're coming to school doesn't feel safe to us anymore. I think that's something that everybody really has to take part in," said UW senior Jim Mackenzie.

Friends said that they raised close to $2,300 during the Mifflin Street Block Party. Organizers said that roughly $1,000 will go toward Brittany's family and about $1,300 will go to the memorial fund.

Donations for the Brittany Zimmermann Memorial Fund should be sent to:

Brittany Zimmermann Memorial Fund
C/O Marshfield Medical Center CU
P.O. Box 279
Marshfield, WI 54449