Ron Fatigate knows the importance of moving quickly to help when tragedy strikes as it did the Chanin family of Pearl River.
That is why the owner of Raffaele's Pizzeria in Pearl River chose not to wait to hold a fundraiser to aid the family of . Three other members of the family were hospitalized, but all have since been released.
"I was a cop for 20 years," said Fatigate. "I (have done) this a lot. You have to hit while the iron is hot.
"This is a small town. We stick together. It's the right thing to do."
Raffaele's will donate 25 percent of all sales from Saturday to the Chanin family. Also his sister, Janet, owner of JD's Lounge in Coral Springs, Fla., will hold a benefit Saturday including a poker tournament and silent auction.
"She seems to think she's going to bring in $5,000," Fatigate said. "I can't get near that number, but I'm hoping I'm near $1,000."
Fatigate said he knew Chanin, also a retired police officer, just well enough to say hello, though his daughter went to school with one of Chanin's sons.
Many in the community have come together to support the family. The Orangetown Mighty Midgets are donating donate the proceeds from their Casino Night Nov. 16 at Casa Mia Manor House in Blauvelt to the Chanin family. For more information or to prepay, go to www.ommsoccer.org. Munno's Deli has also accepted donations and provided meals for the family.
Donations directly to the family can go to The Chanin Family Fund at PO Box 739, Pearl River, NY 10965.
Services for Jeff Chanin of Pearl River will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 at Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church in Pearl River. The burial will follow at Rockland Cemetery.
