'Hundreds' donated after mother lost son with special needs in fire
MILWAUKEE - The community is rallying to help a Milwaukee mother after she lost her son in a fire, coming together to raise money to help pay for funeral expenses.
Neighbors organized a carwash at Arandas Auto Sales near 27th and Forest Home, doing what they can to help make sure the fire victim has a proper funeral.
"It started with a couple cars and then continued to continue and continue," said Enrriketa Ramirez, organizer.
![Rafael Gonzalez](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox6now.com/www.fox6now.com/content/uploads/2021/03/932/524/ASH-CAR-WASH-FUNDRAISER-10PM-PKG-3_28_WITI1771_186_00.00.34.16.png?ve=1&tl=1)
Drivers weren't just brought out by the spring weather, but rather, they were motivated to help a mother coping with tragedy.
"People are donating hundreds or more," said Felix Ramirez, organizer.
Rafael Gonzalez died in a house fire near 15th and Oklahoma March 20. His mother told FOX6 News the 25-year-old was her world. She helped care for him as he was living with special needs. Firefighters say there were no working smoke detectors in the home.
![Fatal fire near 15th and Oklahoma](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox6now.com/www.fox6now.com/content/uploads/2021/03/932/524/ASH-CAR-WASH-FUNDRAISER-10PM-PKG-3_28_WITI1771_186_00.00.29.15.png?ve=1&tl=1)
"It was just heartbreaking," said Felix Ramirez. "You would never expect that."
When his former neighbors found out, they decided to help, organizing the car wash in four days -- bringing together businesses and volunteers.
![Fundraiser honoring Rafael Gonzalez](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox6now.com/www.fox6now.com/content/uploads/2021/03/932/524/ASH-CAR-WASH-FUNDRAISER-10PM-PKG-3_28_WITI1771_186_00.00.05.06.png?ve=1&tl=1)
"We always try to help the community as much as we can," said Norma Herrera with Arandas Auto Sales. "This family is going through a lot. I can’t imagine what she’s going through."
It was an effort to ensure Rafael's mother has support after losing everything in the fire.
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![Fundraiser honoring Rafael Gonzalez](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox6now.com/www.fox6now.com/content/uploads/2021/03/932/524/ASH-CAR-WASH-FUNDRAISER-10PM-PKG-3_28_WITI1771_186_00.01.02.14.png?ve=1&tl=1)
"It’s always good to help everybody even if you don’t know them," said Enrriketa Ramirez.
Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire.