Chick-fil-A Fundraiser Aids Paralyzed Fairfax High Student

Chick-fil-A Hollywood spent Friday hosting an influx of the Fairfax High School community seeking to lend a helping hand to one of their own.

The Hollywood eatery held a fundraiser to benefit a local family touched by an unfortunate tragedy by donating a proceeds of its sales Friday. Operator, Jeremiah Cillpam, recently learned from his staff of more than a dozen Fairfax High School students that their classmate, Jose Chojolan, and his family could use some financial assistance.

In January, Chojolan suffered a blood clot and became paralyzed below the neck. Since a piece was published in the L.A. Times, support has arose in the form of donations. In addition, Assemblyman Mike Feuer's office has been assisting the family find a home. 

Sales at Chick-fil-A's Hollywood location, 6750 Sunset Blvd., through 3 a.m. Saturday will help the family move into a handicap accessible apartment and to purchase a van.

The Chojolan family stopped by for an hour Friday evening to thank those at the fundraiser including teachers, students and their parents.

Delfino Chojolan, Jose's oldest brother, 26, said he was filled with gratitude.  

"[What] an amazing day, so great the feeling inside knowing that with love we can all unite," he said. "No matter the color or beliefs. For my brother there is so much love from many. So lucky we are to know were not in this battle alone. Thanks a million times to all."

After the fundraiser, a spokeswoman for the restaurant said Cillpam planned to donate $1,100 to the Chojolan family.

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