Arianna Villalobos - both a shining student-athlete, and epitome of what it meant to be a loving and genuine person, was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer at the tender age of 14 last October and spent the next 51 weeks battling the disease before taking her last breath October 1st this year. Following the months after her passing, the Villalobos family and a team made up of friends and volunteers organized a Kickball tournament and Car Show in celebration of her life and also as a kickstart to their own organization that, upon the request of Ari, would assist and provide support to families from all over who were going through the same trials the Villalobos family had recently endured.
Following the event’s initial success the previous year, along with a few other organized events, the Villalobos family and volunteers alike powered forward to keep Ari’s memory alive by hosting their second annual Kickball Tournament and Car Show held at Elizabeth Davis Park. The event neighbored Arianna’s former Elementary School, Paul Rodgers Elementary; who had also taken the initiative to recognize one of their most memorable pupils by planting a ‘buddy bench' as a reminder of Ari's peaceful and loving disposition, and to also promote kindness and friendship among their students at the school.
Event goers were welcomed to the tournament with not only open arms but also with material gratitude like food, a Dj booth, live music, beautiful classic cars, various vendor booths and raffle prizes all supplied by local donors. All proceeds went to the Villalobos family and Ari’s Foundation. Family and volunteers were also sporting purple Ari’s Foundation T-shirts on that beautiful Saturday afternoon which displayed the now slogan of the foundation which read, “Don’t be sorry for Ari, be strong for Jesus!” When speaking to members of the foundation everyone couldn’t help but speak on Ari’s beautiful character and spirit. Long-time family friend and one of the event organizers Richard “Richie” Corral stated, "when they [The Villalobos Family] received the diagnosis I was blessed to be available to help them.” Richie used his contacts to help organize fundraising events for the family and to simply provide a hand to his Brother and Sister during their hour of need. Richard himself has endured tragedy, in 2005 his son David had been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 5, he gives praise to the local Colton community in showing support during his time of need and wishes to only pay that good fortune forward by helping his neighbors in their time of need.
Miraculously, the Villalobos' have been able to find beauty in the ashes, and passion in the pain by relying solely on their faith in God and the support of friends and family. The love their daughter provided to the world has been reciprocated and continues to touch the lives of others. Ari’s Foundation’s efforts have already been able to touch the lives of those dealing with tragedy, having helped a family find a bone marrow donor for their daughter. There was even a LifeStream trailer present at the event that was accepting blood donations for donors. When speaking to Henry Cruz, Ari’s grandfather, he said that this event is about “Giving back to the community..” and that “hopefully somebody benefits from their being here. That's what it’s all about.” A touching sentiment to a family that has already given so much back to their community while dealing with their own internal struggles.
While many Colton natives who were present at the event took pride in their connectivity among one another, many supporters, such as Shareece Wright, the Fooz Fighters, Mikey Garcia, Leo Ruiz, and the Avila Brothers, came out to participate in the fundraising event from all over, going as far as Orange County, showing how love knows no boundaries. City News Group is grateful for the chance to have been following this miraculous story of endurance and faith from its beginning, and thanks the Villalobos family for letting us be a part of their beautiful journey of spreading Ari’s message which is, as Chris Vialobos, Ari’s father stated, “To go out and to help others; to give hope to those that need a little hope, to give love to those that need a little love.” This touching story is just the beginning for the foundation and wherever it takes them just know that there will be smiles and laughter following right behind.