Paramus Strong Gala Will Raise Money For Bus Crash Memorial

PARAMUS, NJ — Miranda Vargas and Jennifer Williamson-Kennedy. A special gala later this month will help ensure that their names are never forgotten.

Vargas, 10, and Williamson-Kennedy, 51, were killed in a horrific school bus crash on I-80 May 17 while on a school field trip.

But there are more than just those two people. Forty-three other people from East Brook, including parents and teachers, were on that bus and were hurt, many critically. Some of them are still in the hospital. Many are recovering.

The Paramus Strong gala next month will be at The Terrace at Biagio's from 6 to 10 p.m. June 19. Its name is derived from the hashtag #ParamusStrong, which was trending on social media in the hours and days following the crash. There is a minimum $20 donation per person to attend.

The gala will be an informal gathering with a buffet, desserts, and a cash bar.

"We don't want to make a spectacle out of the victims," Perides said. "It's just a healing event for the community. We want to make sure that 30 years from now, no one forgets what happened to East Brook, the victims, and their families."

All of the money will be donated to help build a memorial at East Brook in memory of Vargas, Williamson-Kennedy, and the 43 other victims who were injured.

Paula Perides, whose family owns Biagio's, said they are already expecting between 700 and 1,000 people to attend.

"We've invited the first responders who were at the scene, nurses from Morristown Hospital, the victims, their families, and anyone who wants to come," Perides said.

The gala is the latest way members of the community have lent their support to one another since the crash.

An East Brook teacher is making and selling bracelets in honor of the victims. Part of the profits are being donated to the Paramus Children's Health Foundation.

East Brook alumnus Christopher Sabo also wrote and produced a song in memory of the victims and in support of the community.

Members of the New York Giants, including Eli Manning, recorded messages of support.

Tens of thousands of dollars has been donated to the victims, their families, and the East Brook community.

For more information about the gala, call Paula Perides at 201-665-8683.

Related:

• Teacher Makes Paramus Strong Bracelets To Help Local Families
• WATCH: Eli Manning Makes Message For Paramus Crash Victims
• East Brook Alumnus Pens Song In Support Of Paramus Crash Victims
• Community Starts #ParamusStrong Hashtag In Wake Of Fatal Crash

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Photo: Miranda Faith Vargas, 10 (Courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch)