Community rallies with taco fundraiser for Rafael Delgado's family

Richmond residents and local businesses came together Monday for a taco fundraiser to raise money for the family of Rafael Delgado, the 81-year-old Richmond man killed last month in a hit-and-run crash.

The fundraiser began at 1 p.m. at Rigo's Auto Sales, 871 23rd Street, about four blocks from where Delgado was killed.

Delgado was struck and killed August 23 while crossing 23rd Street near Hellings Avenue after leaving Restaurante Bahia de Jiquilisco, where he was known as “Don Rafita” for his regular karaoke performances.

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A GoFundMe organized by Delgado's niece, Sonia Montano, on behalf of beneficiary Erica Delgado has raised more than $7,400 toward a $9,000 goal from nearly 100 donors as of this week. The money is intended to help cover funeral expenses.

Richmond police arrest suspect in fatal hit-and-run that killed 81-year-old man

Richmond police have announced an arrest in the hit-and-run that killed an 81-year-old Richmond man earlier this month. Don Mack, a 66-year-old Richmond resident, has been booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter, and driving with a suspended license after investigators

Grandview IndependentLinda Hemmila

Other local businesses have also helped the family. Restaurante Bahia de Jiquilisco donated tips from three nights of karaoke in the days after Delgado's death.

Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil in late August at 23rd Street and Hellings Avenue, where family and friends built a streetside altar and shared memories of Delgado. He came to Richmond from Tepehuaje, Mexico, in the 1960s and raised a family of six children.