The community is mourning the loss of 14-year-old Rubi Perez, an eighth-grader at Great Bend Middle School who was found deceased on April 9. There has been an outpouring of community support for her family.

A candlelight vigil took place Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park.

There will be a fundraiser in memory of Rubi Perez at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Heizer Park, 705 Heizer St. It will feature a balloon release, mechanical bull donated by Adryana’s Mexican Food, bounce houses, vendors and raffles.

Pamela Luna will host a raffle for the Perez family. She will collect raffle prizes until Thursday at DL Window Tint, 1724 22nd St. Luna asks the donors to attach a business card or name so she knows where everything is coming from.

Tickets will be $5 for one or five for $20. “We are hoping to go live with the raffle either Sunday or Monday,” Luna posted on social media.

Memorial donations may also be sent to the Rubi Perez Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Queen Bees Nutrition, 2401 10th St., has created a Rubi cherry and tropical fruit drink in honor and memory of Miss Perez. This month, for every drink sold, $1 will be donated to the family.

Gambino’s Pizza, 1309 Main, will have a fundraiser on Tuesday, April 14, from 4-8 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go toward helping the family.