Annual gala held in honor of former student

Hannah May|May 2, 2014

The Jose Cerda Aquatic Foundation is focused on supporting local water polo and swim teams throughout the community and even the world. The gala is an annual even they host to raise money for the foundation. They also hold other events such as play for Jose which took place at the highschool on April 11. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cerda)
The Jose Cerda Aquatic Foundation is focused on supporting local water polo and swim teams throughout the community and even the world. The gala is an annual even they host to raise money for the foundation. They also hold other events such as play for Jose which took place at the highschool on April 11. Photo courtesy of Luisa Cerda.

Jose Cerda was a student of SHS and during his junior year he suddenly passed away on Oct. 26, 2010; the day of his 18th birthday due to a heart arrhythmia while swimming. His mother, Luisa Cerda, created the Jose Cerda Aquatic Foundation or JCAF in his honor.

The JCAF is a non-profit focuses on helping water polo and swim teams. Water polo and swimming were two of Jose’s greatest passions, and fostering unity among teams.

Every year the JCAF holds an annual gala to raise money for the foundation. This year the gala was held on April 26.

“It was really inspiring to see that Jose’s legacy is continuing to grow and help kids across the region,” said Maya Sheth, 10.

The gala had items donated by professional athletes that people could bid on; they also had prize packages and scholarships that you could win through a silent auction. All the money went toward helping the foundation.

This year, Olympic swimmer Scott Usher, made an appearance and spoke about his experiences at the Olympics and how he became involved with JCAF.

“Hearing an Olympian talk about his experiences as well as all of the foundation’s achievements was really interesting,” said Sheth.

If you are interested in helping the foundation, there are multiple ways in which you can get involved:

  • Donate on line by clicking here
  • Donate by check to José Cerdá Navarro Aquatic Foundation, P.O. Box 12918 Cincinnati, OH 45212
  • Volunteer by emailing jcnfoundation@cinci.rr.com

You can also spread the word about the JCAF by liking their facebook page or following their account on twitter or instagram as well as informing your friends and family about the foundation.