Ewald Kubota to host fundraising event for teen with cancer

(Seguin) — A local work family and community are rallying around a Seguin teenager facing the fight of his life.

Matthew Rodriguez, a 13-year-old student and athlete at A.J. Briesemeister Middle School, was diagnosed with metastatic cancer this past spring. Since then, friends,  and community members have stepped up with a series of fundraising efforts to support Matthew and his family during treatment.

The latest effort comes from the team at Ewald Kubota in Seguin, where Matthew’s father, Dimas Rodriguez is employed.

Ewald Kubota this Saturday will host a fundraiser lunch beginning at 10 a.m. at its Seguin location on Interstate 10. Plates are $12 and will include two pulled pork barbecue sandwiches, chips and water. Desserts such as brownies, cookies, Tres Leches, lemon bars and banana bread will also be available for purchase.

Alina Ramos, who works in accounts payable for Ewald Kubota, says it was important for employees to support one of their own.

“We just wanted to make sure that the Rodriguez family knew that we were behind them 100 percent. The majority of the people here are going to be volunteering their time on Saturday from 10 until we sell out,” said Ramos.

Ramos says the fundraiser reflects how much the family means to the Ewald team and the larger Seguin community.

“And so they mean a lot to us. I know Matthew’s mom (Lillian Yanez) and I know Matthew’s dad and so they need the support from, not just us, but the community as well,” said Ramos.

After hearing their idea, Ramos, says the company’s owner John Ewald wanted to fully back the event by covering all the expenses so that every dollar raised can go toward helping Matthew and his family.

“We’re just going to collect money from all the locations and instead Mr. Ewald decided that we could do a fundraiser for him here at our location,” said Ramos. “Some of the ladies here had donated their time to bake goods, but Ewald Kubota has given everybody the supplies. Ewald Kubota has taken all the costs of the expense for the fundraiser for Matt,” said Ramos.

Plates will be sold until they run out.

Organizers say all proceeds will go directly to help the Rodriguez family with medical and travel expenses.

Ewald Kubota is located at1900 Interstate 10.