TheyThinkALoud's Fundraiser:

Ralph Bustos Jr. was a victim of teen on teen homicide at the age of 16. He and his cousin, with whom he shared an inseparable bond, lost their lives in a brutal and senseless murder over a drug dispute between teenagers on November 3, 1994. Their bodies were dumped in a field, valuables stolen, and car burned. All a result of impulsive and irrational thinking between teens with no thoughts of tomorrow. He was and remains a beloved child, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, significant other, and father. He, like so many other young people, lost his life while navigating those difficult teen years, choosing the wrong path, associates, and lifestyle. He was a light to all who knew him, a loving soul, a talented musician and artist, too bright to have had his light extinguished at such an early age during a phase of bad choices. His life now serves as the inspiration for a Dallas, TX based charitable mission, TheyThinkAloud, a positive youth development initiative offering early intervention, prevention, and restorative support for high-risk youth in contact with the court or justice system. The non-profit's mission is to to incite purpose, drive, and attainment despite backgrounds, experience, and circumstances. The tagline: No past must define your future. All proceeds from The Ralph Bustos Jr. Scholarship Fund will allow the charity to award scholarships to deserving youth/young adult participants demonstrating persistant effort and commitment to long-term positive transformation. Scholarsihps may be used for technical school, certifications, formal academic, or other training relevant to career goals. We thank you for your support! Every dollar raised will help to ensure other youth have the resources they need to transform and thrive.