Cory Hubbard's Joyful Life Celebrated at Fundraiser Saturday

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — The many friends and family members who loved Cory Hubbard say his name and, with the memories, come smiles mixed with tears.

Cory, with his happy laughter and adventurous spirit, his kind heart and innate humor, died tragically two years ago when he was just 22 years old. A student at the University of Maryland, Cory lost his life after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

He would have celebrated his 25th birthday on Thursday.

And to celebrate his beautiful life, the Live Your Cor Foundation has organized a fundraiser on Saturday at the Westhampton Country Club.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cory Hubbard Memorial Scholarship and the Live Your Cor Foundation.

The Live Your Cor Foundation provides funds for local families facing adversity.

"Through your generosity, we have been able to help families facing personal loss, disease, accidents, and other challenges," said Ralph and Holly Hubbard, Cory's parents.

The event, which takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., includes ors d'oeuvres, beer ,and wine; a cash bar will also be available.

Tickets cost $100 per person and can be purchased at Lynne's Cards and Gifts, Diana's Unique Boutique and Hampton Properties in Westhampton Beach. In Quogue, they can be found at Flowers By Rori. Tickets can also be ordered by calling 631-288-2527.

Fabulous auction prizes include a week week in Vero Beach and a week in Park City; there are also many raffle items.

"We look forward to getting together to have fun celebrating life and helping other's in Cory's memory," the Hubbards said.

In the years since his death, Cory's parents, as well as his brother Kyle, have been the center of an outpouring of love and support — and a collective vow by all who loved Cory that his memory will live forever.

Events, including the Second Annual Cory Hubbard Duals in January, bring the community together to raise funds and remember a young man who touched countless lives.

The entire community mourned Cory’s loss; hearts were broken and students took to the field on a frigid, snowy winter day to honor him, standing in the formation of his team number, after his death. Long lines of visitors stood for hours, waiting to pay their last respects to a young man whose bright smile and warm heart will never be forgotten.

In the months since he died, his friends have carried Cory in their hearts, traveling the world and taking photos in far-flung destinations with "Live Your Cor" shirts and stickers, keeping his spirit of adventure and love of surfing soaring strong.

Cory left a long legacy at Westhampton Beach High School: The fitness room has a wall dedicated to Cory, designed by Katie Parry. “It will hopefully inspire young athletes to strive for leadership, character and maintain a team-first attitude,” Ralph Hubbard said.

The years since they lost their son have not been easy for the Hubbards.

“Since Cory was hit and killed by a drunk driver, we have met many parents who have lost children through our involvement with The Compassionate Friends,” Hubbard said. “We have come to realize that the loss of a child is unlike other losses. We know people who are grieving the loss of their child for over 20 years. When you lose a child or sibling or even a grandchild you lose a future and the milestones of their friends and contemporaries are constant reminders of the loss.”

That’s why events such as the wrestling tournament and the fundraiser Saturday touch a chord so deep, he said. “The tributes to Cory are heartwarming reminders that he had an impact on so many people in his 22 years. We are fortunate to have so many people willing to keep his memory alive and use his example to help inspire young people in our community.”

He added, “There is a saying in the Compassionate Friends that says, ‘If you say my child’s name it may bring a tear to my eye, but if you don’t mention them it breaks my heart.’ That sums up what we feel about the scholarships and dedications created in Cory’s memory. We will never get over our loss but we are blessed that our friends and family are comfortable remembering him and bring him up often.”

Patch photo courtesy of the Hubbard family.