Fundraiser To Honor 'Heroic' Buffalo Grove High Security Guard Orlando Rivas

WHEELING, IL — Buffalo Grove High School, Township High School District 214 and community partners will host a fundraiser Tuesday evening honoring Orlando Rivas, the school security guard who died after being critically injured while helping students cross the street following dismissal.

"A Night Remembering Orlando Rivas" is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. July 21, at Finn McCool's Irish Sports Pub, 373 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling. Proceeds will benefit the Rivas family.

The program will be emceed by ESPN personality David Kaplan and former Chicago White Sox player Ron Kittle, both of whom have a personal connection to the family.

Rivas' father, Roy Rivas, worked as a White Sox chef for 40 years. Orlando Rivas also worked for the organization.

The evening will include opening remarks from Kaplan and Kittle, community reflections about Rivas, a raffle featuring White Sox memorabilia and game tickets, and live music from Replay. A buffet will be available from 6 to 7 p.m.

Rivas, 52, of Buffalo Grove, died April 24, three days after a vehicle leaving the Buffalo Grove High School parking lot went off the roadway and struck a pole during afternoon dismissal. The pole then struck Rivas, who was helping students cross Dundee Road, police previously told Patch.

A fundraiser created for the family said Rivas suffered a traumatic brain injury while shielding students from harm. He was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where he later died. Rivas left behind his wife, Erin, and four children.

Buffalo Grove Police Chief Brian Budds previously called Rivas' final actions a reflection of his commitment to the school community.

"Orlando Rivas represented the very best of our community," Budds said following Rivas' death. "His dedication to the safety and well-being of students and staff was evident every day, and his final act speaks volumes about his character."

Buffalo Grove High School Principal Jeff Wardle remembered Rivas as a trusted presence who made students, families and visitors feel welcomed and safe.

"His life was defined by service to others and a continued commitment to supporting and guiding young people," Wardle said in April. "Life without him will be less bright."

Organizers said Tuesday’s event will give students, staff, families and other community members an opportunity to remember Rivas’ life while supporting the family he left behind.

Tickets are available through the Finn McCool’s Irish Sports Pub website.