The Carson City community is coming together to honor the life of one of its own, 19-year-old Dante Ontario Jiavonni Williams, who passed away on Sept. 27, 2026.

Born July 27, 2007, at Carson Tahoe Hospital, Dante was born and raised in Carson City. He attended Fritsch Elementary School, Seeliger Elementary School, Eagle Valley Middle School, and Carson High School during his freshman and sophomore years.

Dante later moved to Fernley, where he continued his education through adult education and worked at a local golf course. At 18, he moved to Reno to begin a new chapter of his life. Although his journey took him beyond Carson City, his roots remained in the community where he grew up.

Remembered as a loving, caring, and funny young man with a heart of gold, Dante had a contagious smile that could light up a room. He enjoyed basketball, video games, and spending time with his family. He was known for checking on his loved ones, remembering special occasions, and always making sure those around him felt loved.

To honor Dante’s memory and support his grieving family, The Beachin’ Hair Cove, a locally owned Carson City salon, is hosting “Small Town, Big Hearts — A Community Fundraiser in Loving Memory of Dante.”

The event will take place Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Beachin’ Hair Cove, located at 1801 E. William Street, Suite F, Carson City.

Community members are invited to participate in several fundraising activities:

* Walk-in haircuts: $20 for children and $25 for adults, with three stylists providing haircuts throughout the day. No appointment necessary.

* Bake sale: A variety of baked goods donated by community members.

* Community raffle: Gift baskets, gift certificates, experiences, and other prizes generously donated by local businesses and individuals.

All proceeds from the haircuts, bake sale, and raffle will go toward supporting Dante’s family.

Raffle tickets are available for $5 each, five for $20, or an arm’s length for $30. Tickets can be purchased in person or through The Beachin’ Hair Cove’s social media. Winners will be announced Monday, Nov. 9.

Several local businesses have already contributed, including Magical Moments, Crysi’s Cake Scene, Shades of Jade Wellness, Papa’s Pooch Parlor, and many other generous donors.

For salon owner Kiera Harrison, organizing the fundraiser is about bringing the community together during a family’s unimaginable loss.

“As a mother, I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak of losing a child. Dante was a young man who grew up right here in Carson City, attended our schools, and was part of our community. When one of our families is hurting, I believe we should come together and remind them they are not alone.”

Harrison hopes the event reflects the compassion and generosity of the Carson City community.

“We chose the name Small Town, Big Hearts because that’s exactly what I believe our community represents. Whether someone comes for a haircut, purchases a raffle ticket, donates baked goods, or simply stops by to show support, every act of kindness matters. My hope is that Dante’s family feels surrounded by love.”

More than a fundraiser, the event is an opportunity for the community to honor a young man whose life, although far too short, was filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Dante was born in Carson City, raised in Carson City, and will forever be part of the community that helped shape his life.

Community members are encouraged to come together on November 8 to celebrate Dante’s memory and show his family that they do not have to face this loss alone.

For more information, raffle ticket purchases, or ways to contribute, visit The Beachin’ Hair Cove on Facebook.

Forever 19. Forever loved. Forever remembered.

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