When a car struck and injured two former El Camino Junior High students last week, the schools staff decided to support their alumni and their families through an impromptu tri-tip barbecue fundraiser.

Organizers were pleasantly surprised to learn this week that 1,130 tickets had been sold at $7 a piece for Thursdays event way more than the 300 they expected.

All donations will go toward the recovery of Vicente Ortiz, 14, and Noelia Lopez-Ortiz, 17, both students at Pioneer Valley High School.

They were struck by a vehicle while walking March 19 near Donovan Road and Railroad Avenue, and are now home from Marian Regional Medical Center recovering from extensive injuries.

Since their parents have been home caring for their kids instead of going to work, El Camino staff, parents and volunteers took charge of raising money to help the families through this rough time.

Vicente, a freshman, has a broken leg and shoulder injury, and Noelia, a junior, has head and facial injuries.

They are going to have a long recovery, said Principal Ann DAngelo-Orton. These are serious injuries. Its just an outpouring of people asking what they can do to help.

El Camino office manager Diane Araujo and teacher Espie Ruiz spearheaded the fundraiser and helped spread the word via emails, fliers, Santa Maria-Bonita schools and other community connections.

Volunteers began barbecuing at 6 a.m. Thursday, with staff and volunteers packing lunch bags of a sandwich, chips, soda and salsa for delivery or pick up from morning to afternoon.

Local businesses provided donations and discounts for supplies, Araujo said, and countless volunteers donated time to help two student standouts.

Visit link:
Community rallies behind students