Crowd Supports Girls Who Lived In Home Where Thomas Valva Died

CENTER MORICHES, NY — An outpouring of love enveloped the other children who lived in the Center Moriches home where Thomas Valva, 8, died after police said he was left in a frigid garage by his father Michael Valva and his fiance Angela Pollina.

A free "Family Fun Day" fundraiser, hosted by Cans & Crayons and Staples of Stony Brook, was held on Sunday at Staples of Stony Brook to benefit Pollina's twins Milana and Delana, who are now in the custody of their their biological father Michael Ichkhan and stepmother Lauren Ichkhan. The day also benefitted their sister Gia — Pollina's third child — who is now in the custody of her father Gino Cali.

"The event was amazing — such a great turnout," said organizer Marie Gouldsbury. "The girls had a bunch of friends and teachers from the East Moriches Middle School that showed up to see them. It was by far the best part of the day. They danced to the DJ and enjoyed the photo booth provided by In the Mood."

Ichkhan wanted to express his gratitude for the hearts that came together to make the event happen.

"I don't even know where to begin after today but first and foremost I want to especially thank Marie Gouldsbury and Alysia Beth Stern, as well as Shawn, the manager of Staples, for a wonderful turnout. You can feel and see how much the girls are loved," Ichkhan wrote on Facebook.

He also sent a special "thank you" to the girls' religion teacher Kelly Boogertman, who was "also there in support. To all the teachers who came to support the girls, as well, it was such a pleasure to meet you all. I felt how much you love the girls. There were so many people we met today who showed the overwhelming love and support for us."

Ichkhan also thanked the many who donated to make the event a success. "To our family and friends who came today and who have also been there since Day 1, we thank you and love you all."

The event featured music, pizza donated by Pizzaiolo, crafts, raffles, prizes, snacks, and a photo booth and live DJ.

The fun also included cash raffles and gift baskets with an array of prizes including a fire pit and wood donated by Lowe's, gift cards from restaurants including Digger's Ales N' Eats, Cliff's Rendezvous, Maple Tree BBQ, Cucina 25, Jerry and the Mermaid, Buoy One, Apron Cafe and La Piazza.

"Michael and Lauren are the parents to four amazing children," said Gouldsbury. "Blending the family has been both rewarding and trying. Michael, Lauren and the four children are currently living in a two- bedroom apartment. During this process both Lauren and Michael have both had to take time off to work to attend all required appointments for the girls and court dates," she said. "They have mounting lawyer fees and need to find an affordable, larger place. Michael and Lauren have become more than friends to me and our bond is forever."

Stern, founder of Cans & Crayons — A Charitable Mission, said after 20 years of charitable service she wanted to start something that was the "olive branch" between businesses, local people and causes.

"I started Cans & Crayons — A Charitable Mission as a way to actually be the olive branch as a mission, not as me, per se." After Thomas died, she said: "I watched our communities grieve. A rise of emotions filled Long Island and I knew I wanted to be the olive branch to help everyone have a chance to get involved via Cans & Crayons. This will be an ongoing support of love that no one will ever forget."

As a published children's book author, Stern added, "I needed to be an olive branch that reached all ages. Not just adults, because a charitable heart starts at youth." Stern also thanked Shaun Hurrea of Staples for his support. "He opened the doors for the community," she said.

Ichkhan said beyond the event itself, he wanted to thank Gouldsbury for "the continuous support throughout all of this — the support that, for the past month, she has shown and given to our family. I also wanted to thank Alysia and Can & Crayons with Staples and other numerous donors for all their efforts and support to making this day happen. . . The girls so appreciate everything that was done for them, as well."

On Jan. 24, Suffolk County homicide detectives arrested his father, Michael Valva, 40, and Valva's fiancée, Angela Pollina, 42, of Center Moriches, in connection with Thomas' Jan. 17 death. Both were charged with second-degree murder.

They pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail.

A GoFundMe page, "Help Ichkhan's Girls Transition Into Their New Life" was created by Alli Green; a fundraising page has also been organized for Gino Cali and his daughter, Gia, who authorities say also lived in the house.

Ichkhan has also told Patch he extended his "deepest sympathy and condolences to Justyna (Zubko-Valva, Thomas Valva's mother) and the boys on the tragic and senseless death of Thomas. I never met Thomas and in my eyes, he's my hero."

He added: "I'm so happy to have my girls back and give them the life they deserve with nothing but love and happiness. They will feel safe with me and grow up to become successful women one day," he said. "From the bottom of my heart, my wife Lauren and I want to thank everyone who has reached out and helped us in one way or another."