The second year of the Richard Gahr High School Pop-Up fundraiser was held in the parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With free parking and free admission, more than 60 craft vendors attended the event.
“So almost all of the vendors had donated something to raffle off; those raffles are happening every 45 minutes,” said Denique Morris, Theatre Director of Gahr High School. Raffles started early, and throughout the day, raffle tickets were purchased at the PTSO Raffle table. Prizes were displayed by sponsored businesses and local vendors such as Starbucks, Crumbl Cookies, Raising Cane’s, Ralph’s Pharmacy, Chick-fil-A, and craft vendors giving out free items.
Tickets were priced at $1 for one ticket or $10 for 15 tickets, a fair and reasonable price that attracted attendees eager for a chance to win.
Raising Cane’s offered a classic prize drop for attendees wanting to participate, with chances to win free 22 oz lemonade cards, plush baseballs and basketballs, Cane’s-themed pens, and a gift basket filled with Cane’s essentials.
The first winner was announced: Liz Ballestros, who won a Cane’s basket. “Good and surprised,” was her reaction as she happily held her prize.
Vendors from all over came to the event to support families, friends, and communities, spreading joy from home to here.
“Extended family and friends,” expressed Janice Ocampo, owner of Lovable Lumpias, which can be found on Instagram @lovable_lumpias. Their most popular item is the pork lumpias for $8, but they also offer a variety of foods.
Daniel De Avila, EOPS Program Assistant for Cerritos College, attended to support Janice and promote the business. Free samples were handed out to those walking by, as lines formed at the Lovable Lumpias tent, supported by friends and family.
“I think it’s important to support your local community and small business owners,” said Roxy Gonzalez, who owns The Beach Flea Market and works with her husband at Long Beach City College at the PCC campus. The loving couple came out to support their vendor friend, who was selling stickers and Dodger shirts.
What’s unique about her business is that she allows student discounts for vending. For more information, her Instagram is @thebeachflea.
The fundraiser money helps with PTSO staff and unhoused graduating seniors. The PTSO organizes events for students and field trips for unhoused graduating seniors.
Ann Robles, the PTSO president at Gahr High School and organizer of the event, graduated from the high school in 1999. She started the event to cut costs for graduating unhoused students. “Everything adds up, like 100, 100, 100, right? There are things in place for them after they graduate and during school; those things are considered luxury, which is so wild to me. We need to do more.”
The event aimed to bring communities together, encouraging families to donate, support local businesses, and win prizes for fun. Ultimately, the funds raised go to communities that need it the most.
