SWEETWATER, Fla. – A fundraiser was held Sunday for a girl whose burned remains were found behind a strip mall in Sweetwater.
Andrea Perez spoke to Local 10 News reporter Liane Morejon and said she's thankful for the outpouring of support and donations. Sunday's fundraiser to pay for the costs of her daughter's funeral was just one of the ways the community has come together to ease her burden.
Romina Fernandez, 17, was found dead Oct. 11. Her remains were discovered on fire in a dumpster behind a Sweetwater strip mall on Flagler Street and 114th Avenue.
In the days since Fernandez's death, her family has struggled to pay for her burial, but a neighborhood store owner said he was moved to help.
Basheer Mustafa organized Sunday's fundraiser at Ronselli Park, where donors were rewarded with food, drinks, desserts and a DJ.
"We're hoping to cover the funeral, the memorial and anything else," said Mustafa. "I understand they're also being evicted from their house."
Mustafa said even a dollar can go a long way to help the family.
"My heart goes out to them and at the least do something to help them through this difficult time," said Mustafa.
Mustafa also created a fundraising site to continue collecting money online. To help, click here.
Romina's mother told Local 10 her daughter has been cremated and will be buried Monday morning in Sweetwater.
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