Kait's Angels Designer Handbag Wingo Event Set For Friday

NORTH FORK, NY — A beloved annual fundraiser honoring a hometown angel lost too soon will bring a crowd together Friday night as the annual Kait's Angels "Designer Handbag Wingo" event unfolds.

"If you know how to play bingo, then you know how to play Wingo," organizers said.

Designer Handbag Wingo takes place Friday, August 4, at Peconic Bay Vineyards, located at 31320 Main Road in Cutchogue. Tickets, which include admission and six games, are sold out online; limited tickets will be available at the door for $55.

A cash bar and food trucks will also be on the premises. Don't forget to bring pre-printed name and address labels — names will be announced, not numbers.

Winners can take home designer handbags; the event also includes raffle prizes, a 50/50, and grand prizes including a Louis Vuitton Grand Prize.

The event is organized in memory of Kaitlyn Doorhy, and all proceeds go to KaitsAngels.org, which was created after Kaitlyn died to help those in need on the North Fork community and carry on her legacy.

Buddy Benches have been donated to local schools and libraries, a Narcan-station program has been set up in local schools, and every year, families facing their darkest hours are helped by the funds raised at Kait's Angels events, including the Wingo night, a Poker Run, and an annual yard sale at the Doorhy home.

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

And on Friday night, the Designer Handbag Wingo event will take place to honor her life and legacy of giving — and keep her memory shining strong.

The many baskets are sponsored by local businesses and community members, and lovingly assembled 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, all agree. The Kait's Angels "Designer Handbag Wingo Event" captures Kait's essence, bringing a crowd of hundreds together for a fun night and a good cause.

Kaitlyn's memory is always 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 29th birthday this year.

Darla has long said: "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 nine years have passed, the pain of losing their daughter is forever, Darla and Joe Doorhy agree. "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.