The Del Ray Business Association will host a “Rally for Rose” fundraiser Dec. 13 for the family of Rosemarie Cruz, who died Dec. 4 from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Mount Vernon Avenue at W. Glebe Road.
Cruz, 49, was the deli manager at Market2Market in Del Ray and leaves behind a husband and two young daughters.
"She brought so much love to all of us, her family, our staff, our customers, the whole community," said Larry Ponzi, owner of Market2Market, St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, and Cafe Pizzaiolo. "This is what we can do for her now — raise money for these kids, for her family."
The fundraiser will take place Dec. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. Restaurants on the St. Elmo's block of Mt. Vernon Avenue — Market2Market, St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, The Dairy Godmother, Holy Cow and Pork Barrel BBQ — will offer special menu items for a $20 donation. All proceeds from that menu will go to the fund for Cruz's daughters. In addition, a number of Del Ray businesses have donated gift certificates for a raffle to be held during the event.
Cruz lived in Alexandria with her husband, Romy Sarangay, and their 10-year-old and 12-year-old daughters. She also leaves behind a 26-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old son in the Philippines. For those who want to support the family but cannot make it to the fundraiser, a GoFundMe account has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-rose-cruz
For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com.