Kait's Angels Designer Handbag Wingo Event Brings Out 100s: Photos

NORTH FORK, NY — An enthusiastic crowd of hundreds turned out Friday night to celebrate the memory of a hometown girl lost too soon — and to continue her legacy of caring for others, far into the future.

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 took place to keep her memory shining strong.

The annual Kait's Angels Designer Handbag Wingo event was held at Peconic Bay Vineyards in Cutchogue. Hundreds participated in games, hoping to win a bag or one of the many baskets sponsored by local businesses and community members, and lovingly created by Darla Doorhy, Kaitlyn's mother and one of the founders of Kait's Angels.

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" captured Kait's essence, bringing a crowd of hundreds 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."

Kaitlyn's memory was present throughout the night, from huge photos displayed throughout the tent, to stories told about her life and even to the grand prize, awarded in memory of what would have been her 28th birthday.

Those who attended loved Kaitlyn and have walked beside the Doorhy family during their darkest hours with unwavering support and a promise never to forget their beautiful girl.

The entire Doorhy family, including Darla, Joe Doorhy, Kait's father, and her sister Carly, participated — despite a busy schedule, Carly flew home to surprise her parents — as did 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 featured games, raffle prizes and grand prizes, and an "angel auction," as well as a cash bar and food trucks. Happy winners headed to their cars carrying baskets with thousands of dollars' worth of prizes, generously sponsored by a community that will never forget the unthinkable loss.

This year's grand prize Darla added, was "over the top" and included 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 was more than $3,900.

The event was organized in memory of Kaitlyn Doorhy and all proceeds will go to Kait's Angels. The 50/50 reached more than $3,000, with half the proceeds — in a long-standing tradition, the winner keeps the other half — going to a family in need in the community.