Fundraiser set for Coram 9/11 memorial

Still working toward its fundraising goal for a 9/11 memorial to be built in Coram, the Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold a benefit party Thursday night at Ruvo in Port Jefferson.

The Town of Brookhaven “Diamond in the Pines” 9/11 Memorial will be unveiled at the town park in Coram on Sept. 4, a week before the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, said Rich Acritelli, co-chair of the memorial committee.

Money raised at Thursday’s benefit will help the committee reach its $20,000 goal for the memorial, he said. The group is asking for a minimum $10 donation to attend the party at Ruvo, which will include an open buffet dinner, drink specials, raffles and live music.

The memorial, which will include a piece of steel from the fallen towers, will be in memory of all members of the Brookhaven and Riverhead communities lost in the tragedy and the war on terror, he said.

Acritelli said Diamond in the Pines park is a “beautiful and active location” that is perfect for the memorial, which calls on community members to keep those lost in their thoughts.

“The children that use this park are 8-, 9-, 10-years old,” he said. “Some of them weren’t even born. This is very much not only for now, but for future generations to remember.”

The benefit party will start at 6 p.m. Thursday at Ruvo, 105 Wynn Lane, Port Jefferson. For question or tickets, call Acritelli at 631-839-2996 or Joe Cognitore at 631-873-8272.