MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — A group of cottage bakers came together Saturday in Gladden Farms to raise money for the family of an 11-year-old boy who was killed earlier in the week after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.
The Marana Police Department said the boy was riding east on West Hancock Drive and crossing North Midfield Road in an unmarked crosswalk Thursday morning when he was hit by a northbound 2008 Ford Expedition.
The boy, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and later died. Police said the driver remained at the scene and that impairment did not appear to be a factor. No citations or arrests had been made as of Saturday while the investigation continued.
For friends and neighbors, the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support.
Natasha Sapien, owner of the cottage bakehouse Jar’d & Baked and a friend of the boy’s family, said she and the other bakers wanted to help without intruding on the family’s grief.
“They are close family friends and we did not want to intrude on them going through this time right now,” Sapien said.
Sapien said the boy was well-loved by those who knew him.
“He was an amazing boy,” she said. “And words just cannot describe the heart break not only the family is feeling, but those who knew him and loved him so much.”
Sapien and three other cottage bakers organized Saturday’s fundraiser, donating baked goods with proceeds going directly to the family.
“Having Jar’d & Baked gave me the opportunity to reach out to the community and have them donate and buy things that would completely go to the family,” Sapien said.
Sapien planned to sell 125 cinnamon rolls and keep the sale going until 8 p.m. Instead, customers arrived early and the rolls sold out within 20 minutes.
“It was completely mind blowing for me just how much the community cares and how much the community wants to be here for the family,” Sapien said.
The bake sale raised more than $1,200, including money from Sapien and others who donated at the table.
“I’ve made from Jar’d and Baked and those who donated as well here at the table, over twelve hundred dollars,” she said.
The baked goods may be gone for now, but organizers are continuing to accept donations. Another bake sale is planned for Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or while supplies last, with proceeds again going toward the boy’s family.
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Eddie Celaya is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born in Tucson and raised in the Phoenix area, Eddie is a life-long Arizonan and graduate of the University of Arizona who loves the desert and mountains and hates the cold. Previously, Eddie worked in print media at the Arizona Daily Star. Share your story ideas with Eddie at edward.celaya@kgun9.com, or by connecting on Facebook or Instagram.
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