Community rallies with taco fundraiser for Rafael Delgado's family

News Volunteers serve aguas frescas at a fundraiser for the family of Rafael Delgado at Rigo's Auto Sales in Richmond on September 7, 2026. The event raised money for Delgado's family after he was killed in a hit-and-run last month. Grandview Independent/ Soren Hemmila Volunteers serve aguas frescas at a fundraiser for the family of Rafael Delgado at Rigo's Auto Sales in Richmond on September 7, 2026. The event raised money for Delgado's family after he was killed in a hit-and-run last month. Grandview Independent/ Soren Hemmila Richmond residents and local businesses came together Monday for a taco fundraiser to raise money for the family of Rafael Delgado, the 81-year-old Richmond man killed last month in a hit-and-run crash. The fundraiser began at 1 p.m. at Rigo's Auto Sales, 871 23rd Street, about four blocks from where Delgado was killed. Delgado was struck and killed August 23 while crossing Hellings Avenue near 23rd Street after leaving Restaurante Bahia de Jiquilisco, where he was known as 'Don Rafita' for his regular karaoke performances. A GoFundMe organized by Delgado's niece, Sonia Montano, on behalf of beneficiary Erica Delgado has raised more than $7,400 toward a $9,000 goal from nearly 100 donors as of this week. The money is intended to help cover funeral expenses. Other local businesses have also helped the family. Restaurante Bahia de Jiquilisco donated tips from three nights of karaoke in the days after Delgado's death. Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil in late August at 23rd Street and Hellings Avenue, where family and friends built a streetside altar and shared memories of Delgado. He came to Richmond from Tepehuaje, Mexico, in the 1960s and raised a family of six children.