Photos: 2nd Annual Kait's Angels Poker Run Brings Friends, Loved Ones Together To Celebrate Kaitlyn Doorhy's Life

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PECONIC, NY — August will mark two years since Mattituck's Kaitlyn Doorhy, 20, died while away at college.

But on Sunday, her presence was felt strongly by the crowd who turned out for the 2nd Annual Kait's Angels Poker Run held in her honor.

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.

Looking ahead, Araneo said the two year mark in August will be a "dark day."

But out of 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, 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."

Darla Doorhy, Kait's mom, thanked Chris and Mary Pia, owners of Breeze Hill Farm in Peconic, where the event was held, as well as Poker Run stops Macari Vienyard in Mattituck, as well as Joe and Alex Macari and family, Orient by the Sea, Allure in Southold, and Claudio's in Greenport. The last stop was at Breeze Hill Farm in Peconic, where the celebration, including the barbecue, was held.

"Our angel Kaitlyn, from above, ordered a beautiful day for Kait's Angels," Darla said.

She added a special "thank you" to the Christian Motorcyclists Association; Keith and many members blessed the motorcycles and classic car drivers as they started on the road for a fun, safe day, she said.

Darla also thanked the Kait's Angels team for "all of their time and efforts to make this event successful." She added a special thank you to her husband Joe Doorhy, for chairing the event.

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

More than 100 motorcycles and classic cars headed out Sunday morning for the poker run, an organized event where participants using motorcycles, classic cars or other means of transportation visited five to seven local checkpoints on the North Fork, drawing a playing card in a sealed envelope at each one.

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

The winner, with four of a kind, was Justin Gennaro, who took home the top prize of $200.

Next, Mike Schneider won $100 for his hand, a full house.

Finally, the prize for the worst hand went to Ellen Dris.

The event also included an auction, music and a barbecue.

Since she died tragically in 2014 at 20 years old, the North Fork community has pledged to keep Kait's beautiful 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 in honor of Kait's 22nd birthday.

Next, on Saturday, August 20, all are invited to a mass being said in Kaitlyn's memory at 5 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on Main Road in Mattituck. All in attendance should wear their pink Kait's Angels T-shirt. Those who don't have one should contact Darla@kaitsangels.org.

After the mass, all are invited for a champagne toast at Kait's gravesite at Sacred Heart Cemetery on Depot Lane in Cutchogue.