Community fundraiser planned Sunday for family of slain deputy

PUNTA GORDA — Courtney Martin and Jenine Angelini had three days to organize a fundraiser for the family of fallen Charlotte County Sheriff’s Sgt. Elio Diaz.

But 72 hours is enough time after the soccer moms quickly received help from local business owners and the community.

With the help of SFC Pools, the Fusion soccer fundraiser game is set for 10 a.m. Sunday at Charlotte High School stadium, 1250 Cooper St., Punta Gorda.

“We are amazed by the community support,” said Martin, who received calls and text messages all day and night following the idea to have a competitive soccer game fundraiser. “It’s something the Fusion girls teams wanted to do to help raise money for the family.”

Martin and Angelini said they shed a lot of tears after learning Diaz was shot and killed Sunday while on a traffic stop in Charlotte Harbor.

Diaz leaves behind a wife and four children. He was laid to rest Friday.

Businesses including Publix, Wawa, Outback, Naples Soap Company, Monarch Signs, Sunny Dayz Ice Cream, Rita’s Italian Ice and more stepped up to help with gift certificates for the silent auction.

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