Community raises funds for family of elementary school choking victim

Reporter: Valentina LaFranca
Published: Updated:

Staff and students from Laurel Oak Elementary School gathered at Naples Culver’s to raise money for the family of Benjamin Cronin, an 11-year-old boy who died after choking at school.

Many of Benjamin’s friends came out to the Culver’s on Sage Avenue, Benjamin’s favorite place to eat, to show their love and support for the family.

“He was in my fourth-grade class. We were really good friends and it was really heartbreaking because I was right in front of all the scene,” said one of Benjamin’s friends. “Even if he’s not here physically with us, he’s always here with us in spirit.”

The Sage Avenue Culver’s general manager said that Benjamin was a familiar face at the restaurant.

“He came here a lot for the events through the school. I remember him because he used to come up and order his own orders. Fun little kid,” said the manager.

According to the general manager, the fundraising event came together thanks to one of Benjamin’s classmates.

“One of his classmates made contact with Craig Culver, he got in contact with the owner and then they decided to put this event together to help out the family,” said the manager.

During Saturday’s event, the restaurant was decorated in orange, a nod to Benjamin’s favorite color.

Another one of Benjamin’s friends, who was present when the incident occurred, said he misses Benjamin and his kind personality.

“Benjamin was always one of my friends in class. He always made everybody laugh, and he was always so kind to everybody,” said the friend. “I’m really sad that he passed away.”

The funds raised will be donated to the Cronin family, who will receive 10% of all sales made during the event.

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