The 17-year-old soccer player who was shot and killed on his front lawn in Winnetka earlier this month was remembered during a fundraiser and vigil Sunday.
Both events are taking place at a local ice rink where Francisco "Ponchito" Rodriguez, a student at El Camino Real High School, had personal connections.
"Most of our staff is personal friends of his, a lot of them played soccer together," said Whitney Ellis, president of Woodland Hills Ice. "A lot of friends and family have come in."
The rink donated $5 from every admission to Rodriguez’s family to help pay for funeral costs.
As of 3:45 Sunday afternoon, about 200 people had visited the rink, Ellis said.
For non-skating visitors, a donation basket was set up.
"It’s looking like it’s getting full," Ellis said.
The fundraiser – which began at 9 a.m. and ends at 11 p.m. when the rink closes – is the first part of a day-long memorial to Rodriguez, who was voted best goalie in the San Fernando Valley, according to an email from a woman involved with the event.
Rodriguez’s family will lead a candlelit vigil for him tonight beginning at 6, also at the ice rink.
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The community has rallied around the popular soccer player, and Ellis said the rink will continue to act as a medium of help for the family.
"If anybody wants to come in after the fact and mention that they want to make a donation in his name, we will continue to forward on the money to his family," she said.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with Rodriguez’s death.
Jason Schuman, 24, of Calabasas, and Elizabeth Ibarra, a 19-year-old San Fernando Valley woman, were taken into custody a few days after Rodriguez was killed, according to LAPD officials.
They are accused of luring the teen out of his home and allegedly shooting him, police said.
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