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In the middle of a busy summer season, ice cream man Rafael Arias, who serves the Armonk area, lost the bus that he works out of in a crash on Interstate 684 on Saturday, July 8 after suffering a blown-out tire.
Although he was not seriously injured, Arias is now tasked with replacing the bus as well as the equipment and products lost in the crash while also working two additional jobs. In the meantime, he has been forced to rent another ice cream truck.
As Arias begins slowly rebuilding his business to support himself and his wife, the community he once served is not letting him face this colossal task by himself. A GoFundMe page started by Armonk resident Devin Osberg the day after the crash has already raised a whopping $56,332 as of Wednesday, July 12, nearly enough to cover the cost of new equipment.
On the fundraiser webpage, Osberg wrote that Arias and his wife, Sam, are "some of the hardest working people I know."
"Ralph is working three jobs currently and this accident has brought a huge challenge their way," she wrote, also adding, "They would be extremely grateful for any donations that our community can contribute."
Although just enough money has already been raised for Arias to replace the equipment he lost in the crash, he will still need to replace his bus in the future without the help from his insurance, which is not covering anything, according to Osberg.
Still, Arias is "so grateful" for everyone who donated to help him out, according to Osberg.
"Your generosity and kind words mean the world to them!" she said, adding, "Ralph is looking forward to seeing everyone soon."
Those wishing to contribute to the GoFundMe page can do so by clicking here.
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