Fundraiser for Banning Kindergarten Teacher Fighting Leukemia is April 21

A fundraiser dinner for Central Elementary kindergarten teacher Ray Alcala, who has endured chemotherapy treatment this month for smoldering leukemia, is scheduled Saturday in Banning.

Alcala, known to his students as Mr. A, was also expecting to undergo a bone marrow transplant in Los Angeles County, a colleague said earlier this month.

The Italian dinner fundraiser for Alcala and his family is scheduled 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 21 at Nicolet Middle School.

The cost is $7 per person presale. Lasagna, salad, bread, and dessert will be served. Coffee and tea will be available, and additional drinks will be 50 cents each.

"All proceeds will go directly to Mr. Alcala's family as they continue to battle Leukemia," organizers said. "Thanks so much for your support."

Alcala is 40 years old and he's been teaching 14 years, he said in an interview in March. He is married to Sayra Alcala, and his children Celeste, 6, Ismael, 13, and Raymundo, 14, attend Central Elementary, Nicolet Middle and Banning High, Alcala said.

Alcala has been diagnosed with MDS, also known as smoldering leukemia, a disruption of the bone marrow. In March he said his students "give me the energy and the will to fight this disease."

is at 101 E. Nicolet St., Banning.