Vineyard fund raiser inspired by Mount Sinai rape
Middle Island man hopes to raise awareness of violence against women
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The story of the barmaid who survived a brutal rape and beating inside a Mount Sinai lounge continues to touch and inspire members of the community.
A fundraiser has been organized to benefit Madonna Heights, an organization that provides shelter and education to girls and women in need, and to raise awareness about the effects of violence against women. It is set for June 4 at the Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard on Sound Avenue in Calverton between 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 per person.
Vincent Cereola, a 33-year-old English teacher from Middle Island, said he was prompted by the Mount Sinai attack to raise awareness that the issue of violence against women and the self-esteem issues associated with it is not confined to isolated incidents. Unfortunately, he said, these sorts of crimes are actually quite common and have lasting effects on victims' lives.
"I think people do have a civic responsibility to be aware and support each other," said Mr. Cereola, who teaches at Ward Melville High School. "We all have nieces, daughters, sisters and mothers -- it's just something we should not ignore."
Mr. Cereola said he was prompted to action after finding out about the tragic Mount Sinai incident from his students the day after it was announced by police through media outlets. The man who was charged in the attacks was also a teacher in the Three Village School District.
"I think there was a sense of shock and disillusionment that this could happen in our community," said Mr. Cereola, a 1993 graduate of Longwood High School and a lifelong resident of the district.
"I think we should be far [enough] evolved as people to not accept this in any way. There should be a message that this just won't be tolerated," he said.
Mr. Cereola said he came up with the idea of having the fundraiser benefit Madonna Heights because his aunt, Peggy, used to volunteer her time there and he thought it would be a worthy charity for people to contribute to and assist those less fortunate than them.
"I thought it would be nice to do something redeemable," he said.
Mr. Cereola said he has received a great deal of support from the community since he began organizing the event. Not too long after he floated the idea of a fund raiser, vineyard owners Sam and Rhoda Rubin came forward and offered the use of their premises for the event free of charge.
"They are really wonderful people," he said.
Everything pretty much came together after that, Mr. Cereola said. Area restaurants have since contributed donations of gift certificates for a Chinese raffle.
"Its going pretty strong now," he said.
There are around 50 confirmed guests, but, Mr. Cereola said, he hopes the number will spike by the time he has to supply the final numbers to the caterers. There will be a limited number of tickets at the front door for late-comers, he said.
The price of admission will include a buffet-style meal featuring food provided by Fratelli's in Stony Brook. Musical entertainment will be provided by Ed Kunkle, a local musician who plays a wide variety of music ranging from classic rock to contemporary hits, according to Mr. Cereola.
peggy@northshoresun.com
Want more info?
Fund raiser for Madonna Heights
June 4
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyards
2114 Sound Avenue, Calverton
Tickets: $39.95 per person
For more information e-mail vincecereola@yahoo.com
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