We would be remiss if we didn’t offer cheers for Sebastian Angelico, who formed E.C.H.O. in 2008 along with an energetic group of executive board members who individually and collectively pledged their support to families of seriously ill children whose financial difficulties might compromise the little ones’ health care.
In the three years since, the Charleston organization has awarded some $125,000 to families on Staten Island and in New Jersey. The group hosts fundraising dinner events twice each year.
The latest family to benefit from E.C.H.O.’s mission is the Affruntis.
Michael Affrunti, who lost all his possessions in a fire in February, sadly lost his wife, Angela, three weeks later — leaving Michael to raise their five children, including his teenage son with special needs.
During the evening’s fare, E.C.H.O. board member Pasquale (Pat) Loporcaro noted that the New Springville dad earlier that week was awarded $15,000 from the Emergency Children’s Help Organization, along with a personal gift of $3,000 from three of the not-for-profit’s board members, to cover his debt from his wife’s funeral.
The event, which garnered rave reviews, saw cocktails flow, culinary discoveries that knew no end and the musical magic of E-Squared Entertainment, the dynamic deejay company that took locals through the decades with dance music and videos — as well as a divine sampling of the top 40.
Those interested in learning more about the organization and/or in making a donation should contact E.C.H.O. at 718-967-9086.