Darla Doorhy, 'Positive Force For Good,' Named Citizen Of The Year

MATTITUCK, NY — One of the North Fork's brightest lights was honored Thursday when Darla Doorhy, one of the founders of Kait's Angels, was named Citizen of the Year by the Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association.

The 8th annual event was held at Veterans Park in Mattituck, with more than 80 people joining together to honor a woman who spends her life giving back in memory of her daughter Kaitlyn.

Joe and Darla Doorhy lost their daughter Kaitlyn, 20, on Aug. 22, 2014; she was hit by a car while away at college. A heavy blanket of grief cloaked the community as all struggled to grasp the loss of a young woman, a former Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen, known for her bright smile, philanthropic spirit and caring heart.

But tragedy turned to hope when Kait's Angels was formed in Kaitlyn's memory, with an eye toward acts of kindness in her memory.

The Kait's Angels team organizes events each year, including a Designer Handbag Wingo fundraiser, a community yard sale, Poker Runs, and more, with proceeds aimed at helping members of the community in need.

And on Thursday, the community turned out for Doorhy, who attended the event in bright pink, Kaitlyn's favorite color and a hallmark of Kait's Angels.

"Last night was special," Charles Gueli of the MLCA said. Proclamations were given by Angela Noncarrow from New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo's office, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, and Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell —with the award plaque was given by Gueli.

Several people spoke about Kait's Angels — their mission; how they hope to improve people's lives; and the level of commitment shown by staff and volunteers.

"Everyone seemed very happy that the award was given to Darla Doorhy and Kait's Angels for their great work," Gueli said.

Russell said, of Doorhy: "She's a strong and amazing person. As a parent, I cannot begin to imagine the pain that a parent must feel when they lose a child. To turn that pain and anguish into action that is such a positive force for good in this community is truly astonishing."

He added: "There are very few people, if any, that would have such will. It's not uncommon that we build a memorial for those we've lost; however, tangible monuments stay the same size. The one that she's built in memory of her daughter, grows and grows."

William Araneo, president of Kait's Angels, added: "Kaitlyn was a force. A caring, giving soul. She always gave 100 percent of herself to others. The Doorhy family's darkest of days have turned into an amazing organization, Kait's Angels."

Doorhy also spoke. "I get my strength from my husband Joe, God, and my beautiful daughters from heaven and earth," she said.

Carly Doorhy, Darla and Joe's daughter, could not attend, as she is in Montana, but called her mom and said: "Mom, this is a wonderful honor. I'm so proud to call you my mom."

Doorhy added: "I don't know all of you in this room tonight. But I know a few of you that have lost a child, and that pain never goes away. It's our job as their parents to keep their memory alive."

Doorhy then ended, as she always does, with Kaitlyn's quote: "God gave us two hands, one to do for ourselves, and one to do for others."

Doorhy then said she wanted to change the award — rather than just honoring her, as Citizen of the Year, she asked that the entire Kait's Angels team be honored, as well.

"After all, one person does not run this foundation," she said. "Many hands keep Kaitlyn's memory alive."