On Tuesday, 24-year-old Austin Eis allegedly drove into a group of high school students in Thousand Oaks, killing 15-year-old Wesley Welling and injuring three others.
"Tonight, we are hoping that this will impact them in the most positive, upbeat way, and a respite from what they've been feeling and experiencing for the last few days," said Alissa Morton, a benefit organizer.
Sarah Malouf, a student at Westlake High School, said the past week has been difficult.
"It's just been really hard at school in general. And I just know a lot of people have been hurting, even people that weren't even there. It's just heavy on everyone because it's a community, and it's a school," she said.
Eis has been charged with the murder of Welling as well as 11 other charges, including four counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
His arraignment has been postponed until May 19 and he is being held without bail.
"Our community has really come together in light of the tragedy that occurred on Tuesday, and I want to make sure that I show my support," said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff of Ventura County. "It's not just for these families, but for our officers also. It was very traumatic for our officers that responded to that scene as well."
A GoFundMe for Welling's family quickly surpassed the $15,000 it was asking for, and has since raised more than $250,000.
Sunday's fundraiser brought the community together for some live music and heartfelt speeches from family and friends of Welling.
"You were always a very special child with a kindness that emanated from your soul," Welling's aunt said at the fundraiser.
A raffle and silent auction was also held with signed footballs from the Rams, as well as posters and guitars from members of the Dave Matthews Band, Creed and the Doors.
"We do have a really strong community, and seeing everybody come together is wonderful and feels really good. It's just, you wish you didn't have to do it. But the community is pretty amazing around here," said Shannon Atkins, a parent of a student at Westlake High School.