Virginia Beach, Va. - A mother, father, and teenage son were killed in a tornado last month at the Cherrystone Campgrounds.
The Balatbat family was from New Jersey, and they were also Filipino. That's what had a packed house here at the Filipino Cultural Center in Virginia Beach.
"We are always there to support one another. Doesn't matter what part of the country you came from. I looked at it as we are all Filipinos,” says an attendee.
"When it's time for us to help, we all come together as one."
The vibrant Filipino community in Virginia Beach, gathered on a gorgeous night this holiday weekend, with the money raised going towards the education fund for the Balatbats’ two surviving daughters, ages 12 and 7.
"We feel proud that we are able to do that,” said one of the participants.
The Balatbats were crushed by a tree in the tornado.
Their niece was also hurt, breaking several bones.
Related:
Teen critically injured during tornado at campground dies
Cherrystone Campground re-opens after deadly tornado
People, businesses take action to help victims of tornado at Cherrystone Campground
Fundraiser held for children who lost their parents in Cherrystone tornado
Jersey City couple killed, three children hurt after tornado hits Cherrystone Family Camping Resort
