Craft boutique raises funds for upcoming Rescuing Families projects

Franklin Square-based nonprofit Rescuing Families is committed to helping families in the community retrofit and renovate their homes to elevate the quality of life for loved ones with disabilities.

Most recently, its founders Vinny and Gina Centauro were able to help one of their own loved ones, Gina’s sister Dina Cantone who is low-functioning autistic and developmentally disabled. The renovations in her home included installing locks on cabinets, special smoke and carbon dioxide alarms, and general renovations that the house needed as it was built in 1963 and had become run down.

Vinny and Gina said this renovation was special for them, as they got to see Dina react to all of the new renovations in real time. This was something different than their usual process, where renovation recipients stay elsewhere during construction before a big reveal.

“We know the impact that we make on these families, you know, we can see it,” Gina said. “But we’re not always there day to day to see really how much it’s improved their lives. With this particular project, since we’re there every day with my sister, to see the difference a renovation can make… it’s really life changing.”

Their organization is able to help people with community outreach events, such as their recent craft and gift boutique last weekend at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2718. The entry fee was $5, and 48 vendors came out to sell a variety of goods to attendees including handmade jewelry, crocheted items and more. Most of the vendors came from across Nassau County, with a few making the trek out from Suffolk County.

Rescuing Families also hosted a 50/50 raffle during the event and held a plant sale to raise funds for their upcoming projects.

One of the projects is a complete renovation of VFW Post 2718 in Franklin Square, where the organization is looking to install new roofing, siding, windows, flooring, a handicap-accessible bathrooms and renovate the bar inside. The organization is looking to raise $150,000 for the project. They’re looking to break ground on the project in the fall.

The other project the organization is still fundraising for is the Reyes family in Valley Stream. This project will help retrofit the home of Doug Reyes, a man who became paraplegic when he was 18 years old after a swimming accident.

Rescuing Families is always welcoming new volunteers to help with their projects — after all, it takes a village. The nonprofit started offering team building opportunities for local businesses and school organizations who want to get involved helping out in the community.

“It’s a fun day, we all really have a fun time when they learn about our organizations and the families that we help and what we’re doing,” Gina said. “So, it’s a really fun great day for a company, large or small, that wants to get involved in the community.”

Volunteers can learn as they go with the Centauros with no prior experience needed.

On May 18, Rescuing Families is hosting its first community marketplace of the spring and summer season at municipal lot 4 behind Wendy’s on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. In honor of Armed Forces Day, the organization will collect items for the Veteran’s Pantry and those who donate will receive an American flag detail when they donate while supplies last. The rain date is May 25.

On May 19, the nonprofit will host its first-ever afternoon tea party at Chat Noir in Rockville Centre at 4:30 p.m. This event will feature raffle baskets, a wine pull game and more. Tickets cost $70 and can be purchased at RescuingFamilies.org.