Fundraiser being held for suburban high school security guard who died protecting students

WHEELING, Ill. (WLS) -- Some are gathering Tuesday for what's expected to be a night of reflection, tributes and community, all in honor of Orlando Rivas, who was killed while protecting students.

The fundraiser, at Finn McCool's in Wheeling, is bringing together families, teachers and administrators from School District 214, local business leaders and community organizations and the Chicago White Sox. It's all to raise money for Rivas' family.

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The 52-year-old security guard at Buffalo Grove High School was killed last April, when police say a car leaving the school parking lot struck a pole, which then hit Rivas, as he put himself in front of students. He left behind a wife and four children.

Rivas had a special connection to the White Sox. His father, Roy Rivas, was the team chef for 40 years. And the younger Rivas also worked for the Sox.

"Losing him, it's been hard on me. It's been hard on my son. My son is still in denial, you know, because they were like twins," Roy Rivas said.

One of the hosts for the evening is Sox legend Ron Kittle, who's close with the family.

"When you know him as a little kid, they're all funny stories. And I got a couple that I'll probably share tonight during the talk, but it's just respect for the individual himself, and his dad and the White Sox organization," Kittle said.

At the event, they'll be auctioning off White sox tickets and autographed memorabilia, including a bat signed by Sox legend Harold Baines.

Tickets are $20. The event runs until 9 p.m.