Five-year-old Toren Christensen sat patiently while a volunteer painted a design on his arm. It was an artistic expression that Toren commissioned with caring from his heart and a donation from his piggy bank.

Toren, along with his brother Finn, 3, were among many people who participated in the Goldfish Rodeo in downtown Kirkland on Friday, a benefit for the two young children of Steve Lacey, a Kirkland resident who was killed by a drunk driver on July 24.

“It is the only money I have,” said a shy Toren, who added that he wanted to help people in need.

Many people in Kirkland felt the same way. The event, which was held between Milagro Cantina and Hector’s on Lake Street, raised $671.25.

“We have had a good response so far,” said Blair Jordan, 18, who said they got the word out online in a short amount of time. Jordan and Kelly Winters, 24, who teach the two Lacey children Jasmine, 5, and Julian, 7, swimming, set up the benefit for the kids’ college fund.

“They are one of those families that we just love,” said Winters. “They have taken lessons with us every summer, all summer long.”

The two originally wanted to do a car wash but ran into some “logistical issues.”

“We talked to (Deputy Mayor) Penny Sweet and Phil (Megenhardt) at Boldhat and it was actually his idea,” said Jordan.

The two women had the idea for a fund raiser the Friday before but Jordan got the event going.”She’s got all the connections,” said Winters.

The event featured face painting, a bake sale and, of course, gold fish. All were purchased by donation. Most of the baked goods were donated by workers at Peter Kirk Pool.

Lacey’s death has hit the Kirkland community, along with those who know the kids and family, very hard. That impact was evident by the Peter Kirk Pool workers who volunteered to help out at the Goldfish Rodeo.

“I thought it was a great idea,” said Ryan Helgeson, 16, who is a lifeguard at the pool. “It is really sad that this totally innocent guy was killed.”

The benefit was set up on Friday so many of the pool workers could be on hand as there are no lessons. “It is just an amazing community,” said Winters. “It has really brought everyone together.”

Many heard about the accident at the pool. “I heard about it as I was about to get in and teach,” said Jordan.

The two Lacey children have returned to the pool for their lessons as the family tries to maintain a sense of normalcy, pool workers said.

“They haven’t grasped it yet,” said Jordan. “I have talked to Nabila (Steve’s widow) and she is staying strong. They are a good family and good friends. But it is upsetting that those kids will not be able to experience both of their parents.”

Alex Christensen said she heard about the event through a mom’s group. “It is a good cause,” said Christensen. “I talked about it with (Toren and Finn) and they got upset. But this is a good way to deal with it. Toren got his money out of his piggy bank and wanted to donate it. Finn donated his out of my piggy bank.”

For those who want to donate to the college fund, go to any Chase Bank, where a special account has been set up or email stevelaceytrust@gmail.com.