St. Joseph’s school fundraises for roof repairs

EL PASO (KVIA) -- Sunday, St. Joseph Catholic Church hosted a fundraiser to repair its school's roof. The Raise the Roof Car Show had a goal to raise $100,000, according to one of the organizers.

During the fundraiser, attendees explored classic cars on display and heard mariachi music performed by children.

St. Joseph's School council member Al Lujan said the church saw a bigger response then expected. He estimated around 20 vehicles would show up.

Lujan said providing for the children is an important responsibility of the "family" that is the El Paso Catholic community.

"Anything that we do, especially here in El Paso, we're a family," Lujan said. "Especially being Catholics, we have children that come to this school and we want to be able to provide for them."

The church raised money through a ticket currency system. Attendees bought tickets, which they exchanged for food and drinks during the fundraiser.

A DJ played for most of the show until the St. Joseph School's student mariachi group took the stage.

Lujan said the overall response to the event from the community highlighted a willingness to help in the El Paso community which helped in this case as the church is now asking for the community's assistance.

"This is a very welcoming community. We're always here to support somebody," Lujan said. "We find somebody in need, we want to help them out, and that's what we want to do is just bring people together, saying we need your help. Help us out because who knows when you're going to need help? So we're just coming together as a family."

Lujan said it was the church's duty to its students to raise money for roof repairs. He also said stepping in to help -- whether it's through time or money -- sets a good example for the next generation.

"Being able to be in a position to be able to help somebody, not even financially, but being able to give my time and being able to provide back to the community is very important," Lujan said. "There's some individuals that look up to older individuals for support and guidance. So I could be a great role model for people, I'll do that and help wherever I can."