Hundreds Show Support And Kindness

For Kim D’Amico

By Kendra Bobowick

Friends and relatives of local hairdresser Kim D’Amico were among the hundreds to attend Kindness For Kim, a special event that had been organized for Saturday, October 2, to help support the resident while she is treated for stage three breast cancer.

“She is unbelievable, generous, loving, a doll,” said Ms D’Amico’s sister, Lynne Farah. Looking around at the crowd inside the new St Rose of Lima Gathering Hall, she added, “Look at all of these people.”

Each guest arrived to the wine tasting and silent auction to enjoy raffles, a buffet, and live entertainment by local talent. Ms Farah and Donna Deluca had thought of the fundraiser, contacted another friend, Mary Maloney, and booked the Gathering Hall at St Rose Church, and “the idea took off from there,” she said.

Greeting guests was Ms D’Amico’s niece Karissa Bergeron.

“It truly was such an indescribable feeling to see all of those people come out for my aunt. It’s so humbling to know that when you really are in a time of need people are there to help.

“I couldn’t believe the generosity,” Ms Bergeron continued. “It was truly so touching and I don’t think my family can ever thank or show our true appreciation for all that our friends, and complete strangers, have done for her. My aunt and my family are truly blessed to have such wonderful people around us.”

Resident Beth Caldwell also paused to glance at supporters and friends crowding the buffet and buying raffle tickets. “It’s nice to live in a town that turns out like this,” she said.

Phyllis Cortese had organized a group of student performers, including her son Dylan, for the evening. “It’s great to see all these people here,” Ms Cortese said as the young singers warmed up.

Mingling were Carol Mahoney and her friend Doreen Shevlin, also impressed by the number of people in the hall.

Near a side table set up by Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor was Eric Poupon, sampling a Cabernet, while elsewhere Jake Butler, Vicky Janega, and Lisa Ferrara, all Ms D’Amico’s friends, were huddled in conversation.

Talking and tasting the wine were April Vignone and Eileen Kirk, while nearby were two more of Ms Damico’s friends, Donna Miskar and Amanda Delaney.

Also contributing their support that evening were Diane O’Dea, Penny Buckman, Sue Gardino, and Dierdre Laberty.

Selecting treats from the buffet of finger foods, fruits, and snacks were Nikki Stevens and Margaret Lally.

Those who helped coordinate the fundraiser include Donna Deluca, Joan Ponsky, Dory Carolan, Maria Roy, Karissa Bergeron, Mike Hough, Carolina Castellano, Sam Kolher, and Pete Marnalakas.

Funds were raised through the sale of tickets for the event, as well as through by silent auction. Those who were unable to attend the October 2 event but would like to offer help can send contributions to Kindness For Kim, PO Box 212, Newtown CT 06470.