Fundraiser To Honor Late Huntington Manor Firefighter Mason Kraese

HUNTINGTON, NY — A foundation created in memory of Mason Kraese, a Huntington Manor firefighter and Walt Whitman High School graduate remembered for his blue-collar work ethic and service to others, will host its first fundraiser Sunday in Huntington Village.

The Mason Kraese Blue Collar Memorial Foundation, Inc. fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Six Harbors Brewing Company, 243 New York Ave., Huntington.

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The foundation was created to honor Kraese's legacy by supporting and inspiring people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, according to materials shared by his family.

Kraese died in an ATV accident in upstate New York on Aug. 30, 2025. He was 27.

His father, Phil Kraese, said the family created the foundation after launching scholarship efforts in Mason's name.

The foundation builds on the Mason Kraese Technical Scholarship at Walt Whitman High School, which supports students pursuing technical or trade careers. Phil said the family wanted to continue that work and eventually help more than one student at a time. The foundation's first Whitman scholarship recipient was Sabrina Whelan.

The family has enough money at Whitman to fund 12 years of $500 scholarships, Phil said, but the foundation could eventually expand beyond the district.

"We're going to maybe add on other ones, like you'll have multiple ones a year type of thing," he said. "It's not going to stop us from just going to Whitman. If we find out somebody from other schools is going somewhere else, then maybe we go there."

Rather than simply hand over a certificate, Mason's mother, Mary Beth Kraese, wanted to give Whelan something practical for her next step. Because Whelan is pursuing beauty school, the family put together a basket filled with supplies such as blow dryers and other items she could use as she begins her career.

"My wife didn't want to just give them a certificate," Phil said. "She wants to be able to give you more."

The foundation hopes to do the same for students entering different trades.

"If somebody's going to go to be a carpenter, maybe get them a sawzall and a screw gun; something to start," he said.

Sunday's fundraiser will feature food from Dang BBQ Food Truck, live music by The Rustlers, raffles, shirts, stickers and other foundation merchandise, according to event materials. Six Harbors Brewing Company will also sell beer with special labels printed in Mason's honor, Phil said.

"They're going to be selling beer with labels that are specially printed to him, and beer is gonna be in the cans," he said.

Admission is $20, which includes one drink. Raffle ticket pricing listed on event materials includes $10 for one sheet, $25 for three sheets, $50 for seven sheets, and $100 for 15 sheets.

The foundation is also seeking raffle basket donations, gift certificates, merchandise, services, sponsorships and other contributions from businesses and community members. Sponsorship opportunities range from $50 Neighbor Sponsor to $500 Legacy Sponsor, according to foundation materials.

The fundraiser is the latest effort by Mason's family and community to keep his memory alive. Earlier this year, the family held the Mason Kraese Memorial Blood Drive at Huntington Manor Fire Department, which collected 98 total donations.

With the one-year anniversary of Mason's death approaching later this month, Phil said the work has helped the family continue moving forward.

"That part is amazing, and it's basically keeping us busy doing something instead of having to be sad all the time," he said.

Those interested in donating, sponsoring, volunteering or contributing raffle items can contact Mary Beth Kraese at 631-831-0164, according to foundation materials. Phil said the foundation also has an online store for those who want to buy hats, sweatshirts and other items, with orders available through about Aug. 26.