Charity raises over $12,000 to help those with disabilities

The Rescuing Families charity held its annual Ugly Sweater Bingo Party at VFW Post 2718, in Franklin Square, last Friday night, raising over $12,000 to help those with disabilities.

The night’s events included six rounds of bingo, an ugly sweater competition, raffles for an assortment of 36 gift baskets and a 50/50 raffle with a grand prize of over $800.

Gina and Vincent Centauro, who founded Rescuing Families in 2016, said the evening’s proceeds were above average compared with previous events.

There were 205 guests, according to Gina, who came from all over Long Island. And, she said, many of them have been coming to the event since Rescuing Families’ first ugly sweater party five years ago.

“One guest had emailed us and said it’s become their annual tradition,” Gina laughed.

Her husband added that the event seems to be a hit in the community. “We found what people enjoy coming to and what they continue wanting to come out for,” Vincent said. “So we’re going to stick with this.”

According to the couple, the money they raised will go to a family in Valley Stream whose home will be renovated to be disability-friendly. Doug Reyes, one of the family members, is paraplegic, and his father has Parkinson’s disease.

Gina Centauro said the renovations would include lowering cabinets, improving ease of access to the bathroom and shower, changing doorknobs to more easily opened models, and making it easier to get into and out of the home.

“These are things that most people wouldn’t think would be an obstacle for those with disabilities,” Gina said. “It can be a tremendous obstacle just to open a kitchen cabinet.”

Vincent said that renovations to make a home compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act can cost $80,000 to $150,000. In order to supplement the funding after what is earned at their fundraisers, he and his wife receive help and donations from companies such as National Grid and a local real estate company, Keller Williams Legendary.

The Reyes family, Gina said, has been on Rescuing Families’ list for almost two years. Six more families have been approved for renovations, she added, which is why the charity plans to host many more fundraising parties in the future.

According to Lydia Tangorra, a volunteer since the organization was founded eight years ago, it takes a lot of work and preparation to help these families.

“Everything goes into consideration,” Tangorra said. “From the supplies, sheetrock, whatever we need. We get it together to help these people be with their families.”

Tangorra recalled a previous instance in which a patient who had been in the hospital returned to an entirely renovated home. The experience of coming home to a new environment, she said, is like a new beginning for these families.

“It’s very touching,” Tangorra said. “It’s amazing when you see the success at the end.”

The Centauros said they would like to help more families, but it’s difficult to reach all those who are in need with their limited funding.

“The Valley Stream project hasn’t started yet, because we’re trying to raise enough money,” Gina said. “This is an entire house we’re renovating, and it isn’t cheap.”

On top of that, she said, they receive no help from state or local government, despite the charity’s many requests. But she wants to make the organization bigger and better. The Centauros not only want to help families with disabilities in their homes, but also want to provide community resources for them, such as workshops and a community center for those with disabilities.

The couple said that more community involvement would be helpful to get more projects like these started. Their fundraisers, Gina said, are a great opportunity for people to come together for the cause.

“They’re coming to a party, but it’s all for the greater good,” she said. “I think that’s a driving force, just getting the awareness out there to everybody and bringing the community together to help these families.”

Vincent said that he and his wife are connected to the disabled community as a result of their own experience with disabled family members, and he hopes to do more for them.

“We know what these families are faced with and the reality of it,” he said. “If we can be a voice for them, and work to make sure they have what they need, then I think we’re doing our job.”

For more on the charity and events it is planning, visit RescuingFamilies.org.