Aug 21, 2019

Community, Taco Johns unite for Rednest, Reza family

Posted Aug 21, 2019 3:58 PM

By KALIN KROHE

Panhandle Post


When tragedy strikes, it's amazing to see human beings and a community come together to show compassion. This was the case for the community of Alliance.


On Aug. 11 authorities said two women and three children died when their vehicle collided with a truck north of Bridgeport on U.S. Highway 385.


The Nebraska State Patrol said 30-year-old Amy Rednest of Alliance, and an adult passenger, 31-year-old Vanessa Gomez, of Westminster, Colorado; 14-year-old Nevaeh Montoya, of Westminster; 13-year-old Emma Reza; and 9-year-old Falicia Reza, both of Alliance passed away.


On Aug. 19, in a daylong fundraising event, Taco Johns in Alliance raised $7,500 to help the Rednest and Reza family.


Taco Johns owner Don Berg, and his daughter Danielle Prelle spoke with KCOW radio about the decision to make this happen.


"I didn't want Carlos and his girls to worry about money at a time like this. I asked if we could do a benefit day and all our proceeds go to Carlos and his girls to help with funeral costs and any costs they have," Prelle said. "Dad [Don] let me run with the idea. We reached out to you guys [Eagle Communications, KCOW, Double Q Country 105.9 FM] for ads. We appreciate you guys donating those. I tried to make Monday as big as we could. It was amazing."


Prelle said Monday was the busiest day she'd ever seen at Taco Johns.


"I've been here 40 years...you always think you can do that much business, but you just don't know until you try," Don Berg said.


Berg said they started off with breakfast, and were busy throughout the day. "We saw some people more than three times that day."


Berg said there were cars surrounding the Taco Johns building, and in all directions.


"We can't thank the community enough for coming out and supporting [the family] in this time," Prelle said. "My employees they worked really, really hard. Most of them donated some of their time, or all of their time. $7,500 is an amazing number out of our little store."