Forenza Fundraiser to benefit NUMC Burn Center

The Third Annual Rich Forenza Memorial Fundraiser will take place at Mulcahy’s Pub in Wantagh on Jan. 28. Friends and family will gather for an afternoon filled with fun to raise money for the Burn Center at Nassau University Medical Center and remember former Westbury volunteer firefighter Rich Forenza.

Forenza was driving an 18-wheeler hauling produce on Nov. 5, 2009, when a driver cut him off on the Long Island Expressway. His truck erupted into flames before stopping. As the memorial fund website states: “Rich was able to get himself out of the truck’s cab under his own power, but engulfed in flames. With help from others, he was able to extinguish the flames, but suffered second and third degree burns to 85 percent of his body.” Forenza underwent eight hours of skin-graft surgery, but later died from his injuries.

In memory of Forenza, his friends and family organized an open bar, buffet, live entertainment, dancing and raffle-filled afternoon at Mulcahy’s Pub on Jan. 28 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person.

Contributions will be used to purchase medical equipment for the NUMC Burn Center and sponsor camps, such as the Children’s Burn Center Camp in Connecticut.

For more information visit richforenzamemorialfund.com.