Raffle held to benefit recovering senior
Students and staff united to raise over $719 for senior Adrian Vela-Garay earlier this month.
Adrian underwent surgery for a brain tumor in early September and was left partially paralyzed after the operation. Last month, a recovering Adrian was sent home by doctors to ensure his emotional stability.
Sophomore Student Council member Ariella Schwartz said she was surprised by participation in the raffle.
“Normally our (Student Council) raffles only raise about $200,” Schwartz said. “The school stepped up and showed their support for him and his family.”
To encourage students to participate, Student Council received over 20 donated prizes from Brueggers, Jamba Juice, Chipotle, Caribou Coffee raffle off. Student Council sold tickets for $1 each, with all proceeds going to Adrian.
Junior Arifuzzama Kazi won the grand prize in the raffle, a $50 Visa gift card. Kazi said he knew Adrian on a personal level.
“I had class with him last year and we were good friends, I was really shocked when I found out about his injury,” Kazi said. “I had planned to visit him with some other friends but was not able to, so I decided to donate $20. It would not have mattered if I won, I am just happy I can help him.”
Like Kazi, many students donated just to help Adrian and his family. Freshman Rivka Buchbinder said she was motivated to contribute because of personal experience.
“Several people in my family have been in a situation similar to (Adrian),” Buchbinder said. “This fundraiser helps him to know we care about him both mentally and physically.”
Senior Joe Borja, a member of the Latino Student Association who brainstormed the raffle, said he has known Adrian since third grade.
“I thought the raffle would be a good idea since the surgery was expensive and he has been my best friend for nine years,” Borja said. “I know he would do the same for me.”
Borja said he thought the student response to the raffle was fantastic and he commends the school.
“It shows Adrian that his community and his classmates have his back and are helping him get through this battle one day and one dollar at a time,” Borja said. “Knowing him like I do makes it a big deal for him.”
According to Borja, the Latino Student Association is looking at planning future fundraisers for Adrian, but said he encourages students to take initiative.
“Visiting Adrian at his home is a great way for the community to show their support for him through these hard times,” Borja said.
Students can contact Student Council for information on contacting Adrian’s family.
