Through the efforts of Spring Grove School’s parents, students
and staff, more than $20,000 total has been raised for the former
custodian Joey Corral and his family. And more than $15,000 was
raised last Thursday during the school’s
”
Just for Joey
”
pasta dinner.
Four days later, Joey Corral is still amazed by the people of Spring Grove School and Hollister.
Through the efforts of Spring Grove School’s parents, students and staff, more than $20,000 total has been raised for the former custodian Joey Corral and his family. And more than $15,000 was raised last Thursday during the school’s “Just for Joey” pasta dinner.
The 58-year-old man, who was diagnosed with cancer last November, has been the focus of school activities during the past month. The school has hosted a pair of “2 buck Tuesdays” and a couple of students hosted a bake sale for Corral.
But Thursday’s pasta dinner was the biggest fundraising success.
Feeding more than 375 families and raising over $15,000, the fundraiser packed the Spring Grove School gym, school Principal and Superintendent Jenny Bernosky said.
“It was a huge success,” she said.
A mariachi band provided entertainment, and high school friends of Corral surprised him by showing up at the event.
“I hadn’t seen them in years,” Corral said. “It was at least 40 years. It was amazing. It was a total surprise.”
Bernosky noted that many attendees did not have family involved with the school, but heard about the event from other avenues and came in support of Corral.
“Word just passed around,” she said. “It was great to see so many people.”
Corral spent most of the time walking throughout the gym thanking everyone that attended, he said.
“I can never thank them enough,” he said. “I can never pay them back.”
Also, a member of the school board donated “Just for Joey” shirts to be sold for more money. The $10 shirts are still available at Spring Grove School.
“People really came out and made an impact,” Bernosky said. “It was definitely a great night had by all.”
The money will already be put to good use, Corral said.
“The bills are starting to come in, and they are going to get paid because of the help form everyone,” he said.
