Kait's Angels Yard Sale Helps Neighbors In Need: Photos

NORTH FORK, NY — If there's one thing North Fork residents love, it's a good yard sale. And the only thing to make that even better is a yard sale for a good cause.

That's exactly what happened Saturday in Mattituck as the North Fork community opened its hearts to help friends and neighbors in need at the annual Kait's Angels Community Yard Sale, held at the home of Joe and Darla Doorhy.

Proceeds from this year's event will benefit two local community members facing health challenges — Tor Torkelsen of Southold, and John Tardif of Cutchogue.

Joe and Darla Doorhy lost their daughter Kaitlyn on Aug. 22, 2014; she was hit by a car while away at college. 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. And now, the yearly yard sale is organized to help others during their darkest hours.

According to Darla Doorhy, Torkelsen, who has ALS, was in Norway when he needed emergency surgery for an abscess of the upper spine and brain; donations will help with medical expenses, which were not covered by insurance, she said.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to him," Doorhy said.

Tardif, she added, is a young man faced with cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and Schizencephaly, who is wheelchair-bound for life.

The event featured its trademark "all-you-can-carry" hour from noon to 1 p.m. for $20.

Recently the Kait's Angels Annual Designer Handbag Wingo event was held, with proceeds to benefit community members in need.

"It's what Kaitlyn used to say, her motto was, 'Helping hands, helping others,'" Darla said. "One hand for herself and one hand for others, for helping the community."