SAN ANTONIO – In the 1400 block of Southwest 19th Street, there is a barber shop. It is a staple in the West Side community that became the gathering place for the Natalie Chavez family fundraiser.
Barbecue plates with all the trimmings were sold for $6 to help cover funeral expenses for Chavez, whose body was discovered under a West Side bridge last week.
The event was organized by Diane Villareal who met the family in light of the tragedy.
She lives near the scene of the crime, Vera Cruz and Nueva Leon Street, where Chavez was found strangled under a bridge.
"I have a daughter the same age, and my daughter walks to Rhodes Middle School, and she's in basketball. She walks, what if this guy is still out here," Villareal said.
A significant amount of support came from local riding groups who not only stopped by to contribute, but also rode around getting the word out in the community.
"(We) just found out about this cause. And so we just took a ride out here, got a bunch of people together and that's it, just trying to help," said American Legion rider, Steve Maley.
"We all got together and wanted to support, ride today, so that's why we're here," said Pacific Island rider, Kevin Acfalle.
San Antonio Police Department Deputy Chief Anthony Trevino, who will replace outgoing Chief William McManus on Jan. 1, also stopped by to show his support.
"Really this is what makes San Antonio a truly special place to live. When you have events like this, they are tragic, but the community really reaches out," Trevino said.
All of the proceeds from Friday's fundraiser will go toward funeral and burial services for Chavez.
Police continue to investigate and have asked anyone with information contact the San Antonio Police Department.