SAN ANTONIO – Friends, co-workers and strangers are joining forces to collect funds for a young bicycle rider who was struck and nearly killed by a hit-and-run driver almost two weeks ago.
Samantha Flores, 23, was riding her bicycle on Nacogdoches Road, just north of Loop 410, minutes before midnight Sept. 6 when a vehicle hit her, a San Antonio police report said.
Surveillance video shared by a business owner with KSAT showed what appears to be the collision in which a light-colored vehicle struck a bicycle rider. The driver didn’t even look to brake. The vehicle had a broken passenger-side headlight after the crash.
Flores suffered serious injuries.
Flores is described as a natural-born leader with a personality that charms people. David Malley, owner of Cherrity Bar, got to know Flores six months ago. She's set to manage Ramen Bar at Cherrity Bar.
She was leaving work the night she was hit.
“Sam is one of those people that wears her heart on her sleeve,” Malley said.
His business is set to hold a fundraiser for her at 5 p.m. Thursday. The goal behind Cherrity Bar is to help charities with their fundraisers. This time, however, it will be one of their own who will benefit.
“Today alone, I got, like, 20 emails from people who want to step up and donate something and just heard about it,” Malley said about the outpouring of support. “The comments from people donating the money — when someone says, ‘I don’t know who you are [Samantha], but I want you to get better. I want to help you.’”
There will be music, food, drinks and a silent auction with funds specifically set to benefit Flores at the Cherrity Bar fundraiser.
Fundraisers for Samantha Flores this week:
Giving Back Love to Sam: A Fundraiser for Samantha Flores (Tuesday)
All City Bike Ride & Benefit for Sam Flores (Wednesday)