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Politics & Government

Acocella Fundraiser Exceeds Goals

Monday Night Benefit Dinner Exceeds Goals For Town Clerk's Kidney Transplant.

The Harrison community rallied around Town Clerk Joseph Acocella on Monday night at a benefit dinner that raised money to help pay for costs associated with his upcoming kidney transplant.

The Shield & Cross Motorcycle Club sponsored benefit was held Monday evening at Al Dente Restaurant in Harrison, and about 140 guests attended the $100 per plate dinner.

According to Jennifer Lucas, wife of Shield & Cross co-chair and event coordinator Edward Lucas, the event raised more than the initial goal of $10,000.

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"We defiitely exceeded our goal of $10,000. We got so much money even before last night, and just today four different people e-mailed saying they're sending donations. It's hard to total the exact amount just yet," Jennifer Lucas said.

In addition to the dinner, a 50/50 raffle was held, which reached about $5,000 total, said Ada Angarano, president of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce.

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Carol Marinaccio won the raffle and donated her $2,500 in winngings back to the Acocella family.

Although Acocella was unable to attend the dinner, his family was there, including his sister Laura McCorry, who will be donating her kidney. McCorry gave a speech to the crowd explaining what the procedure will be like, and read a speech prepared by Acocella as well.

The benefit drew numerous community members and officials, including several elected officials, members of the Harrison Police Department and business representatives.

"This is definitely a sign of our community on the mend and recovering," Angarano said.

Jennifer Lucas said she was amazed at the amount of money raised, and the number of people who attended the benefit. Some people even stopped by just to drop-off checks, she said.

"I didn't expect it to be this much. I expected to get an outpouring of support, but people have gone above and beyond, especially in this economic climate," Jennifer Lucas said.

Acocella's transplant was initially scheduled for Jan. 13, but it's been postponed and the family is still waiting on a new date.

 

 

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