Annual Kait's Angels Designer Handbag Wingo Brings Community Together

NORTH FORK, NY — August 22 marks eight years since Mattituck's Kaitlyn Doorhy, 20, a past Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen, died while away at college.

And on Friday night, an event to honor her life and legacy of giving will take place to keep her memory shining strong.

The annual Kait's Angels Designer Handbag Wingo event takes place on Friday, August 5, at Peconic Bay Vineyards, located at 31320 Main Road in Cutchogue. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are sold out.

Kaitlyn loved fashion — but what she loved even more was opening her heart to those in the community that might need a helping hand. The Kait's Angels "Designer Handbag Wingo Event" captures Kait's essence, bringing a crowd of women together for a fun night and a good cause.

The "amazing" event, Darla Doorhy, Kait's mother, said, takes months to execute. "But to keep our Kaitlyn's memory alive, it's so worth it."

The entire Doorhy family, including Darla, Joe Doorhy, Kait's father, and her sister Carly, participate, as do other volunteers from Kait's Angels, the not-for-profit organization founded after her death to do good works for others in need on the North Fork, in Kaitlyn's name.

Darla added: "Kaitlyn always told me, 'Mom, God gave us two hands, one to do for ourselves and one to do for others.' So we will always give back."

Although eight years have passed, the pain of losing their daughter is forever. "It makes me sad that I can't sit at the end of Kaitlyn's bed and chat with her anymore in person," Darla said. "I loved to listen to her, as she always said, 'I'm going to move mountains. I'm going to be a huge success. And I'm going to be the best attorney money can buy.'"

Her daughter's words echo in her heart, as do the memories. "She will always shine from above. She watches over the three of us, especially her sister Carly. Kaitlyn and Carly are their parents' rocks, always keeping us alive and smiling," Darla said.

The event features games, raffle prizes and grand prizes, and an "angel auction," as well as a cash bar and food trucks.

"What better way to give back, than at this amazing community event?" Darla said.

This year's grand prize, she added, is "over the top" and includes an Alexander McQueen handbag and perfume, sponsored by the Breeze Hill Farm in Peconic and the Pia family; a white gold diamond-and-sapphire tennis bracelet, donated by the Jewelry Clinic of Riverhead; Alexander McQueen sunglasses, donated by Cohen's Fashion Optical of Riverhead; and a floral arrangement created by Mattituck florist; the total value of the prize is more than $3,900.

Thie event is in memory of Kaitlyn Doorhy and all proceeds go to Kait's Angels.

Don’t forget to bring pre-printed names and address labels. Names, not numbers, are announced.