By:Chris Munzing
That support system was firmly established on Monday, as WBAB-FM held a day-long fund-raiser to raise money for the Malone children, Audrey, 6, Stone, 3, and Mason, 1.
The Long Island rock music station, at 102.3 on the radio dial, solicited donations on the air and through street teams in Long Beach and throughout Long Island. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $37,000 had been collected. Donations were to be accepted through the end of the week, according to a WBAB spokesperson.
The project was spearheaded by the WBAB morning team of J.P. Parise and Roger Luce, after a listener called them and explained the situation. The two disc jockeys jumped at the chance to help. "This is the least we can do," Luce said. "Long Islanders always come through for kids."
The young Malones' father, David, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on Sept. 16, two days after his estranged wife was found stabbed and bludgeoned to death in her West End home by their eldest daughter.
Malone was apprehended after he was seen walking through the West End, having hidden in a vacant house. Police said that it appeared that he was preparing to leave town at the time of his arrest.
The three children are currently living with their grandmother.
Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach) said that having a fund-raiser like this shows the children that despite the loss of their mother and the possibility of losing their father to imprisonment, there are still people in their neighborhood and beyond who care about them. "These kids have their whole lives ahead of them," Ford said. "This is a just wonderful gesture on [WBAB's] part. Sometimes we overlook the children, and it's the children who suffer the most.
"These kids need support, and it has to come from the whole commuity," she continued. "When they see this, they'll realize that there are so many people there for them."
In addition to the funds raised by WBAB, Diane Malone's friends and family have established a Web site dedicated to her children and preserving her memory, www.dianesdreams.com. Donations can be made by mail to The Children of Diane Malone, c/o North Fork Bank, 356 Middle Country Road, Suite 100, Coram, NY 11727.
Comments about this story? CMun-zing@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
