Kait's Angels Poker Run, Pig Roast Fun For All: Photos, Video

PECONIC, NY — A happy crowd revved up Saturday for the third annual Kait's Angels Poker Run and Pig Roast, held at Breeze Hill Farm in Peconic.

The event benefitted those in need in the community, including Matthew Rolle of Aquebogue, a young dad, and Dylan Newman, 14, of Southold, both of whom are battling cancer — as well as other Kait's Angels initiatives, organized to shine a light of good works in memory in Kaitlyn Doorhy, who died at 20 four years ago while away at college.

Darla Doorhy, Kait's mom, thanked those who donated for the auction, including Capt. Joe LaFace, who donated a fishing charter for four on a 27' Grady White, plus lunch at Oakland's, valued at $650 and won by Chris Pia.

Other prizes includes a car detailing and a bucket of car supplies donated by North Fork Autobody in Aquebogue and manager Ray Smilovich, valued at $500 and won by Mary Lou Areneo.

A solo racing bike, donated by Wally Peterson, owner of the Handy Pantry in Mattituck, valued at $500, was awarded to Brandon Gomez.

The Doorhys thanked Chris Pia, owner of Breeze Hill Farm for donating use of his farm for the Poker Run; Joe Macari for donating the two pigs to roast; Adam West, Dave D. and Dave Martinez for cooking the pigs for over 20 hours prior to the event; Ben Suglia, owner of Mattituck Laundry for donating the linen tablecloths, and Shawn McBurnie for donated the tents, tables and chairs.

Kait's Angels also wanted to thank the sponsors "who made the event a complete success."

"And thank you to all of the many Kait's Angel volunteers. Without you all, we would not be where we are today," the Doorhys said.

The event was organized by Joe Doorhy to honor the Doorhys' beautiful daughter Kaitlyn, and included a raffle, barbecue, beverages and music.

Before they set out, the sea of riders on bikes and in classic cars, were blessed with a prayer by the Christian Motorcycle Association, as well as by words of thanks and welcome by Joe Doorhy.

August will mark four years since Kaitlyn, 20, died while away at college.

At a past Poker Run, William Araneo, president of Kait's Angels, the not-for-profit organization created to honor Kaitlyn's beautiful memory through acts of kindness, spoke from the heart about her unspeakable loss.

Out of the darkness of mourning, he said, bright acts of generosity have been born, as the community continues to stand strong at fundraisers for Kait's Angels, keeping her memory alive by carrying on her legacy of love and caring for others.

"We have come from a place of incredible darkness. But we have seen the light," Araneo said.
He then thanked Kaitlyn, "for bringing us together."

"It's been a very difficult four years, without our daughter. We continue to keep her memory alive," Darla said.

More than 100 motorcycles and classic cars have headed out for past Kait's Angels poker runs, organized events where participants using motorcycles, classic cars or other means of transportation visit five to seven local checkpoints on the North Fork, drawing a playing card in a sealed envelope at each one.

The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run.

Since she died tragically in 2014 at 20 years old, the North Fork community has pledged to keep Kait's sparkling and caring spirit alive.

Members perform "Angel Acts," working to pay Kait's love of others forward by helping those in need or just brightening the lives of strangers with random acts of kindness.

A mantra of the organization is "Discover Your Value," urging individuals to follow Kait's shining example and live a life dedicated to good works.

Since the organization was formed, Kait's Angels has been spreading a message of love and positivity throughout the North Fork and beyond. Buddy Benches have been dedicated to East End schools to help fight back against bullying and help give children a safe place to go when they need a friend.

A Designer Handbag Wingo event was held at Macari Vineyard recently in honor of Kait's 24th birthday.

Patch photos video by Lisa Finn, with additional photos by Darla Doorhy.