Car Wash Fundraiser Held In Colton For Mother Of 4 Killed In Ice Cave Accident

COLTON  (CBSLA.com) A car wash fundraiser was held in Colton Saturday for the Moreno Valley mother of four killed in an ice cave accident in Washington state last Monday.

Annalisa Santana, 34, was killed when ice collapsed all around her in an avalanche in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

CBS2's Greg Mills was at the car wash where friends and family hoped to raise a lot of money for Santana's family.

"Never in a million years did I think I would be having a car wash for my friend," said Daniella Chavez.

She told Mills she was friends with Santana since first grade.

Santana was with her children on vacation when the accident occurred.

It's been an agonizing week for Chavez and Santana's friends and family.

"It's really hard to deal with," she said.

She helped put the car was together as a way to pay tribute to her friend of more than 30 years.

Chavez told Mills what she will miss about her friend the most.

"Her smile. Her smile. She was an amazing mom. That was her life," Chavez said.

A lot of kids helped out during the car wash. Mills reported that this was appropriate as Santana's four children range in age from a teenager to a 1-year-old.

One La Habra man explained why he came to the car wash.

"This is just really tragic," said Andy Saldana, "I just came to do my part."

Money raised Saturday will help to pay for funeral costs and for raising of the children.

Exactly who will care for the children? Chavez doesn't know.

"We were just devastated," said Santana's cousin.

He said the kids will be taken care of as they deal with the loss of their mom.

At last report, Mills said more than $1,400 was raised.