Love-Filled Kait's Angels Designer Handbag Wingo Event: Photos

CUTCHOGUE, NY — August will mark four years since Mattituck's Kaitlyn Doorhy, 20, died while away at college — and on Friday, the crowd that gathered under a tent at Macari Vineyards & Winery for an event to honor her forever legacy were a loving testament to the fact that her spirit is shining strong.

Kait's Angels, a not-for-profit organization created to honor Kaitlyn's memory, hosted a Designer Handbag Wingo night, with proceeds to benefit Kait's Angels.

Friends laughed, enjoyed food and fun, and set out to win a dazzling array of handbags and other great prizes.

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."

Darla Doorhy, Kaitlyn's mom thanked Joe and Alex Macari of Macari Vineyard "for donating their beautiful vineyard for our amazing event."

Wendy's Deli sold raffle tickets to benefit Matthew Rolle of Aquebogue, a young dad, and Dylan Newman, 14, of Southold, both of whom are battling cancer. Wendy Zuhoski and her staff, together with Kait's Angels, raised $3,500 in lottery raffle sales.

The big winner of the lottery raffle was Jane Flinter of Mattituck. "Hope you win big, Jane," Doorhy said.

Kait's Angels also ran a 50/50 raffle at the Wingo event to benefit Matthew Rolle and Dylan Newman; guests purchased $1,395 worth of tickets and the winner of the 50/50 was Vito Italia, Doorhy said. "At Kait's Angels, the rule is that the 50/50 winner cannot donate their share back. But Vito insisted, knowing that the winnings would be helping out Dylan and Matthew. The Angels also generously donated their proceeds," Doorhy said.

Doorhy said, for her, the highlight of the evening was when Mary Lou Araneo, who sits on the Kait's Angels board of directors, whispered, "'Darla, look at the sunset.' The vineyard was covered in pink, Kait's favorite color. That was the best gift I received Friday evening, knowing our angel Kaitlyn was with us."

Kait's Angels and the Doorhys thanked her family and friends, all the volunteers, sponsors, members of the Leos, and past and present Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queens, who joined hands and hearts to make the event a success. "We could not have done it without you," she said.

Coming up on July 28 is a Kait's Angels Poker Run at Breeze Hill Farm, with a rain date of July 29. On Saturday, August 4, a Kait's Angels Night will take place at Riverhead Raceway, where the organization will sponsor 50 less fortunate individuals at the races to see a Kait's Angels car/truck race, driven by Doorhy's nephew Jarrett Campbell, #23. On Saturday, Sept. 8, the Kait's Angels Annual Yard Sale will benefit Matthew Rolle and Dylan Newman.

From the unthinkable, from the worst loss imaginable, seeds of love, family, friendship, and generosity have flourished, as the community continues to stand strong at fundraisers for Kait's Angels.

Events include the yearly Wingo Night, a Poker Run, and yard sales and other events to help members of the community in need.

Members of Kait's Angels perform "Angel Acts," working to pay Kait's love of others forward and 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.

Patch photo, video by Lisa Finn.