Online fundraiser, in person Fall River fundraiser, organized for New Bedford two-year-old with brain injury

Online and offline fundraisers are being held for a young New Bedford girl that has defied the odds.

According to President and Founder, Erika Lima, The E. Lima Foundation is holding a Halloween Fundraising Banquet, #AriStrong, an evening of dinner, dancing, raffles, and a host of fun activities for the children, all while bringing the community together. The event will be held at The Cultural Center in Fall River, Massachusetts, on October 18th from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

Lima states that on June 22nd, 2025, two-year-old Ari’ella Valentin’s “life took a dramatic turn when she drowned, resulting in a brain injury that led to dystonia, which now challenges her daily life, but her resilience and determination are a shining example of the human spirit. Despite the overwhelming obstacles, her parents have been her rock, standing by her side every step of the way and making tremendous sacrifices with very limited financial resources, demonstrating the true meaning of unconditional love and devotion.

“To support their daughter’s ongoing care, they have started a GoFundMe campaign, which has helped raise essential funds for her treatment and has inspired a community to come together in support of this remarkable family. Ari’ella has been receiving care at Boston Children’s Hospital and is scheduled to continue her journey at Spaulding Rehabilitation, where she will receive the best possible care. We are committed to helping her access the best possible treatment options, including hyperbaric chamber therapy and stem cell replacement, both of which have shown promising results in children with brain injuries, but are not yet covered by insurance.

“These treatments are expected to be costly, ranging from $25,000 or more depending on the number of sessions required, but we believe that every individual deserves access to the care they need to thrive, regardless of financial constraints. In addition to these medical expenses, the family is also in need of a specialized vehicle to transport Ari’ella to her numerous doctor appointments, as well as essential equipment such as oxygen, a suction machine, and feeding supplies, which would greatly enhance her quality of life.

The Halloween fundraiser has activities lined up, including arts and crafts, face painting, tattoos, trick-or-treating stations, cotton candy and popcorn machines, and a special Star Wars character lightsaber performance. Smashed of New Bedford has generously agreed to sponsor the children’s buffet with tenders and mac ‘n’ cheese. For the adults, they will have Saffron By The Sea donating platters including vegan options, Top Shelf sponsoring steak tips, Lighthouse sponsoring fried fish, My Place sponsoring chicken, Riccardis sponsoring an antipasto, Maria Sanchez Catering sponsoring galinha guisado, white and yellow rices, and potato salad. We’ll also feature lasagna, caoila, a couple of other platters, a fruit, cheese, crackers, and appetizers table, and for desserts, flan and tres leches sponsored by Casa Ive Dominican Cuisine, along with coffee.

In addition, they will have DJ Geeva spinning the latest hit songs, a 360 photo booth, a 50/50 raffle, and a Chinese auction with prizes including gift cards and baskets donated by Odete Silva, No Problemo, Carabiners Climbing & Fitness, Kasa Meiggs, Texas Roadhouse, Innerbay, Knuckleheads, Mesa21, Churrascaria Tropeiro Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Lorenzos Bakery, Cat Studio, Star Styles, Pokemoto, Beauty Mark, Mimi Hair Salon, Waxology, Flawless Nail Studio, The Blend, Cask & Pig, Chuck E. Cheese, Ma Raffas, BOCCA, Blue Point Restaurant, Captains Place, G&S Pizza, Guys & Gals Sportswear, Antonios Restaurant, Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub, Globe Street Convenience, and Susan Andrade with a basket.

This semi-formal event is $35 for adults and $18 for children (costumes encouraged for the little ones!)

To purchase tickets, you can buy them at the door, email e.limafoundation@gmail.com or call  (774) 888-9364.