Community Corner
Keilly Pulgar Fundraiser Exudes Support For Youngster
Students work together to raise money for girl battling cancer.
On March 10, Tanya & Matt's Froyo was full to capacity and the attention of over 50 of Keilly Pulgar’s closest friends turn to the parking lot as Keilly steps out of her parent’s car.
The air is alive with the laughter and playful shouts of Davidsen Middle School students. They have all come here to show support for their friend.
Keilly, a Davidsen student, wears a mask to protect her weakened immune system, but her spirit shines from her sparkling eyes as she moves through the crowd, talking to each cluster of friends she encounters. She wears a pink plaid shirt, jeans and brown boots and she smiles like a Hollywood celebrity, pausing politely to fulfill her many photo op requests.
Find out what's happening in Westchasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Shanta Talamatez, who teaches at Davidsen Middle School, said that the kids themselves were responsible for the large attendance at the fundraiser.
“They talked to each other on Facebook about the event,” Talamantez said. “They did it themselves.”
Find out what's happening in Westchasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
More than 100 students attended the event during the course of the day, Talamantez said.
Tanya Rubin, owner of Froyo, said that based on sales, there were approximately 500 customers over the course of the day.
Rubin estimates a donation of $600 will be made to the Pulgar family.
But the moral support that Keilly’s friends and family showed her was just as important as the financial help.
Keilly's sister, Katherine, 16, said she admired her younger sister.
“The best thing about Keilly is her personality and her dedication to anything she puts her hands to," Katherine said. "She’s popular for all the right reasons, not like the teenagers you see in movies who get attention for bad behavior.”
Victor Pulgar, Keilly’s twin brother named after his father, smiled and laughed when asked the same question.
“She’s always happy. That’s what I like about her the most,” Victor said. “But for some reason when she doesn’t eat, she gets evil.”
Victor and Karina Pulgar, Keilly’s parents, were touched by the size of the event and the affection shown by Keilly’s friends. Victor Pulgar, a man large in stature with a quiet demeanor, expressed gratitude.
“I really appreciate the help from everyone," he said.
When asked what the Pulgar family would do after the event was over, Katherine said they would go home and have dinner as a family.