White Sox legend to host celebration of life for school security guard who died protecting students

A Chicago White Sox legend and a sports talk radio personality will host a remembrance Tuesday night of a Buffalo Grove High School security guard who lost his life protecting students from a crash at the school.

The high school community was devastated following Orlando Rivas’ April 24 death.

Three days before, a car leaving the school parking lot left the roadway and struck a light pole. Rivas, 52, of Buffalo Grove, reacted instantly, pushing students out of danger and putting himself in harm’s way as the utility pole fell, striking him.

A Night Remembering Orlando Rivas will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Finn McCool’s Irish Sports Pub, 373 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Rivas family.

The program will be emceed by ESPN's David Kaplan and Chicago White Sox legend Ron Kittle, who share a personal connection with the Rivas family. Orlando's father, Roy Rivas, served as a chef for the Chicago White Sox for 40 years, and Orlando also worked for the organization.

The evening will include opening remarks from Kaplan and Kittle, community reflections honoring Rivas’ life and legacy, a raffle featuring White Sox memorabilia, game tickets and other donated prizes. Also, live music by Replay and a buffet.

Tickets are available at: https://www.finnmccoolspub.com/fundraiser-wheeling