The principal of the elementary school where the daughters of a woman killed in a hit and run is pleading with the public to help raise money for the woman’s children.
Erika Taylor, the principal of Palomar Elementary School, announced on Friday a new fundraiser for Leonor Castillo’s daughters, ages 3, 8 and 10. The school will have a spaghetti dinner at the Chula Vista Elk’s Lodge, 901 Elks Lane, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 18.
The fundraiser costs $12 per person, which includes a spaghetti dinner, beverage and dessert.
In addition, Disneyland hopper tickets will be raffled off. Raffle tickets cost $10.
The planned fundraiser follows an outpouring of support for Castillo’s family. Taylor said parents at the school have been coming to her office, crying over the tragedy and asking what they can do.
The principal wants to raise money for the young girls, who now live with their grandparents who are retired and live on a fixed income. She also wants to prevent this type of domestic violence from happening again.
“We now have two children in school who now are coming to school every day knowing that their father murdered their mother,” Taylor said. “And that’s a topic of conversation we’re having at our school.”
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Leonor was killed in a hit-and-run accident the day after Thanksgiving in Chula Vista. Prosecutors allege her estranged husband, Cesar Castillo, intentionally ran over her twice in his pickup.
Meanwhile, their children were waiting at their grandparents' house to decorate the Christmas tree with Leonore.
Castillo has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
A family friend has also set up a GoFundMe.com page for the children to help pay for expenses. You can donate here.
Also, if you can't make it to the spaghetti dinner, the school welcomes donations to the children, including toys and clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the Palomar Elementary School office, Mondays through Fridays through Dec. 19. or after Jan. 12.
