Food trucks come together to raise money for the Miller family

ALBUQUERQUE — Food trucks from all over the metro area came together to support the Miller family Dec. 15 at the ABQ Food Park.

“People from all walks of life came to donate. The story really touched people,” ABQ Food Park Manager Alex Chavez said.

The event was organized in response to a car accident last month that killed Craig Miller, Craig Miller Jr., Laila Miller, the Millers’ unborn baby and Francisco Paredes.

According to Chavez, the Paredes family was originally involved in the fundraising event but family members could not decide on who would get the proceeds.

The fundraising event ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and included a ton of food trucks and pop-ups in attendance: Mobiyaki, Takoroto, Mugsys, Fusion tacos, A+plus Crepes, BYOMAC&CHEESE, Sipps Lemonade, Vada Chennai, Ruby Reds vegan, Street Food Institute, Randi’s Food Truck, Los Alebrijes, Sourpuss Lemonade, Mimi’s Sweet Treats, Wanna Taco Bout Burgers, Smoking Wet BBQ, Nico’s Street Food, Brunch Bunch Food Truck, Zia Strong Snac Shac, Madonna’s Muffins, Simply Delicious, Desserts & Coffee, Madhouse Mama Soaps, Kool Sips, and Jody’s Glass & Resin Art.

“The whole entire community is coming together today to just support them and give back to them anyway that we can as small businesses,” said Crystal Chavez, the owner of Sipps Lemonade and Ultimate Tailgating.

Besides food trucks and vendors, there was a bouncy house, games, music and 10% of all proceeds went to helping the Miller family.

However, some businesses gave more, such as Sourpuss Lemonade, which donated 20% of its proceeds.

“The accident was in the community that we live in, and we are just trying to do our best to offer them as much support as we can,” Sourpuss Lemonade owner Michelle Tucker said.

At the end of the event, $783 was raised for the Miller family.

“It’s amazing. A lot of these guys are from Rio Rancho. Unfortunately, that’s where the tragedy happened. So, I think it’s good support that we came down from Rio Rancho to help,” said Nico Coriz, owner of Nico’s Street Food.

The next fundraising event for those affected by the Nov.13 car crash is in the works. Event organizer Selina Wade, Sourpuss Lemonade, The Brain Freezer, The Original Chicano Dog and The Dough Box are planning a fundraising event to support both families.

The event will include food trucks, vendors and a ceremony to thank the first responders.

“We’re trying to organize something for a February/March timeframe with the mayor of Rio Rancho,” Tucker said.

The Rio Rancho Observer will provide more details on the upcoming fundraising event when more information is available.