Hi, my name is Tim, and I’m raising funds for my good friend Raymond “Coco” Bualat.

For those who don’t know Coco, I met him through pickleball over seven years ago. Since then, he has become a close friend and a valued part of our community. This past year, I had been helping him by offering a temporary place to stay while he worked toward securing more permanent housing.

Early last week, Coco received devastating news: his wife passed away suddenly in Texas. As a father of five, he immediately made plans to travel there to be with his daughters and to help make funeral arrangements during this loss.

Unfortunately, while attempting to cross into Texas, Coco was detained by Border Patrol and ICE after it was discovered that he had overstayed his visa. He is currently being held in a detention center and is expected to appear before a judge next week. Currently, he is also unreachable by phone so please help spread the word to his students and anyone you know that knows him.

I am starting this fundraiser to help support Coco during this incredibly challenging and uncertain time. Donations will go toward:

Legal fees to help him navigate the immigration process

Funeral expenses for his wife

Shipping his personal belongings back to the Philippines, should that become necessary

This page will also serve as a place to share updates on Coco’s situation as we receive them.

If you know Coco, have played pickleball with him, or simply want to help a father and family in crisis, any contribution—no matter the amount—would mean a lot to him. Please also consider sharing this fundraiser with others who may want to support him.

Thank you for taking the time to read, share, and support Coco during this incredibly difficult chapter of his life.