Boy raises money for fallen deputy's family through lemonade stand
- A tragedy occurred when Deputy Ignacio Diaz and two other deputies were killed in a car crash on Southern Boulevard.
- In response, 9-year-old Charlie Allsup organized a lemonade and cookie stand to assist Deputy Diaz's family.
- The community has shown immense support, raising funds to cover tuition for Deputy Diaz's children.
In Palm Beach County, Florida, tragedy struck last week when Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, along with two other deputies, lost their lives in a car accident on Southern Boulevard. This devastating event has led the community to rally together, demonstrating solidarity and support for the families affected by this loss. Charlie Allsup, a 9-year-old boy from the Arden community near the crash site, was particularly moved by the incident. Recognizing the financial impact that the loss of a family member can have, Charlie initiated a heartfelt effort to assist the family of Deputy Diaz, who has a child attending the same daycare as Charlie's younger sister. To contribute to this cause, Charlie set up a lemonade and cookie stand with the help of his mother, Christina Allsup. Their goal was to raise tuition money for one of Deputy Diaz's children, thereby alleviating some of the financial burdens the family is currently facing. Charlie's venture has been met with overwhelming support from the community, with many residents attending the stand to purchase treats and donate further to the cause. As of the latest reports, Charlie and his mother have successfully raised enough to cover at least four or five months of tuition expenses, in addition to securing electronics that they plan to gift to the family. This initiative not only highlights the kindness of the young boy but also showcases how communities can come together in difficult times to support one another. A memorial service has been organized for December 3, 2024, at the iThink Financial Amphitheatre to honor the fallen deputies, including Deputy Diaz, Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, and Corporal Luis Paez, all of whom served their community bravely before their untimely deaths. The service aims to bring together family, friends, and colleagues as they pay their respects and remember the heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.