Designer Handbag Wingo Inspired By Life Of Kaitlyn Doorhy

CUTCHOGUE, NY — Wednesday marked what would have been Kaitlyn Doorhy's 25th birthday, a day that would have undoubtedly been filled with family, friends, joyful laughter and a celebration of a shining life yet to unfold.

Tragedy, however, hangs forever heavy over the day: Kaitlyn died when she was 20 years old while away at college, and while the blanket of grief has long been heavy for the many who loved her, the years since have been filled with events and fundraisers organized by Kait's Angels, a philanthropic organization created to keep Kait's memory alive through good works and events to help others in need — just as she would have done.

Now, the biggest fundraiser of the year is coming soon. The annual Kait's Angels Designer Handbag Wingo event takes place on Friday, June 28, beginning at 5 p.m., with games kicking off at 6 p.m. sharp. The event will be held at Macari Vineyards & Winery, located at 24385 Main Road in Cutchogue; Ed Macari's "Avelino Mobile Italian Cuisine" will be on the premises.

Last year, thousands of dollars' worth of prizes were won, including a dazzling array of designer handbags, gift baskets, jewelry, Kait's Angels gifts, and more. This year's grand prize is a designer Burberry handbag, plus more "gold" prizes and a selection of bags from Louis Vuitton, Dooney and Bourke, Rebecca Minkoff and Michael Kors, among others.

(Lisa Finn)

Guests are encouraged to bring address labels to save time, instead of writing names on Angel Auction tickets; names will be called, not numbers.

Tickets are going fast: To purchase before the event, tickets cost $35; tickets will also be available for $45 at the door. The price of admission includes 7 games and a glass of wine. To purchase, visit Love Lane Sweet Shoppe at 125 Love Lane in Mattituck, online by clicking here, or by sending a check payable to Kait's Angels to P.O. Box 1081, Mattituck, NY, 11952. Tickets will be available at will call by the entrance.

All proceeds will benefit Kait's Angels; for additional information, click here.

At last year's event, William Areneo, president of Kait's Angels, addressed the crowd, which included family, both immediate and extended, friends, Kaitlyn's sorority sisters, and colleagues, all of whom "who had the honor of being inspired by her. . . From what was an unspeakable tragedy which cast an incredible darkness, we stand before you knowing that during this time we have positively impacted the lives of others," he said. "Kait left us way too soon and we have been tested by this loss. Although physically there will always be an empty chair, her presence remains strong. She continues to find ways to bring us together. We have responded by showing the best of courage, strength and determination."