A Shell service station employee, he died of a heart attack on a plane headed back to Saipan. His body is still on Guam.
Filipino groups and local residents have donated cash to the Balisalisa family, Tantiado said.
“A $500 donation was given by a local individual who refused to be acknowledged but he is very active in the community,” Tantiado said.
On Saturday, co-workers of Arnold Balisalisa, son of Amado Balisalisa, held a garage sale and car wash drive in the McDonald’s Middle Road parking lot.
Ann Olais, McDonald’s general supervisor, said they will turn over to Arnold Balisalisa, who works at the fastfood restaurant, some $1,200 in cash today — the proceeds from the garage sale, car wash and hot lunch sale.
Olais said the McDonald’s management provided all the necessary materials and equipment during the fundraising campaign.
“We have a very good turn out during the fundraising drive,” Olais said.
Zenaida Balisalisa, the widow of Amado Balisalisa, told Variety yesterday that her family will fly to Guam, if they can raise enough money to defray the transportation and funeral expenses.
“We don’t have any problem with the documentation of the papers for the release and transportation of the body,” Mrs. Balisalisa said.
“The financial requirements remain a problem,” she added.
Continental Airlines’ management will provide the family a special discounted fare.
Tantiado, who is a member of the Saipan Rotary Club, said she will seek donations during the regular meeting of the club this week.
“We are thankful to the Variety for reporting this fundraising effort — a lot of people are now giving their support,” she said.
On June 18, Continental flight 890 made an emergency landing at the Guam International Airport to take Amado Balisalisa, 47, to the nearest hospital but he was already dead upon arrival.
