Community raises over $3,500 for ‘Elote Man’ during lunch benefit
By Ellisyn Sanders
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WICHITA, Kansas (KAKE) — After months of health struggles, a Wichita street corn vendor known as the “Elote Man” is receiving support from the community he has served for years.
People gathered in Wichita’s Nomar District Sunday for a lunch benefit to raise money for Don Alberto Quesada, who has sold Mexican street corn on 21st Street in north Wichita for a decade.
“I’m still in awe because this was all literally the community coming together to do this for him,” said Sally Aguilar, director of small business for Empower.
Quesada, known by many in the neighborhood for riding his bike and selling elote, underwent hernia surgery in August. After recovering, he returned to the streets to continue selling his corn.
But earlier this month, Quesada experienced another medical incident that left him with blurred vision and chest pain, and an ambulance was called to treat him.
Aguilar said her mother happened to drive by during the incident and stopped to help.
“My mom happened to drive by and stop, and I think he was having a heat stroke in that moment,” Aguilar said. “So, she kind of stepped in, took over, and continued his sales.”
As the main provider for his family, Quesada faced a financial burden from medical expenses and time away from work.
“He’s still pushing through, and he’s still trying to make ends meet for his family,” Aguilar said. “And I think that’s where we can come in and step in and say, ‘Hey, let us take it from here.’”
Empower and other local community members organized the lunch benefit to help Quesada with his expenses.
Jennifer Hutfles, one of the supporters at the event, said the benefit was a great way to help someone facing health challenges.
“Very supportive, everyone seems to be having a good time, and everyone’s eating like crazy,” Hutfles said.
Organizers expected to serve 300 to 500 orders of street corn, all donated by community members.
Donations funded the lunch, which featured several other local vendors, including Happy Hermans, Buck Wild Jerky and Consuelo’s Street Grill.
All proceeds from the benefit will go toward Quesada’s medical bills and a fund to help him purchase a new electric bike. Organizers hope the bike will make it easier for him to transport his corn and get around.
Aguilar said she was emotional seeing the community come together for Quesada. She said organizers want Quesada to take time to recognize the support he has received.
“We want him to just allow himself to be here and just witness all the love that he’s receiving,” Aguilar said.
“So, whether these funds and, you know, the proceeds go to his electrical bike or to his medical bills, I think it’s still worth it,” she said.
Organizers said the event raised more than $3,500 in cash.
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