Two local boys raise money for fallen officers

Two 12-year-old boys started a lemonade stand to raise money to donate to the families of the two fallen officers Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny.

Dominic Ristaino and Elijah Cuevas wanted to do something to show their support for the officers’ families.

“Well, we just felt extremely bad for the officers who have died and their service to the community and we just wanted to support their families as much as we could. I mean, nothing can replace that, but we just wanted to spread the word and get other people to help too,” Dominic said.

“We were just shocked. Something like this hasn’t happened for a while.”

Dominic’s father knew Vega and admired his work in the community.

“I remember him as an outstanding officer, a great person, loyal, just a great guy, and it’s just a horrible loss for the community. And we’re just doing anything we can do to help the family,” Ron Ristaino said.

People of all ages from all over the Coachella Valley stopped by to donate.

“It’s all homemade. We have fresh squeezed-lemonade, we have brownies and oatmeal raisin cookies,” Dominic said.

The two boys said they have a message for the Palm Springs Police Department.

“We’re terribly sorry for about your loss and we wish we could help as much as we can,” Dominic said.

“I hope that you find peace in your heart in the future for your fallen comrades and close friends and I hope they will always be with you in your heart,” Elijah said.

Whether it’s a $1 or a $1,000 they said any amount shows support for Palm Springs finest.