SMITHTOWN, N.Y., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- After months of careful planning and getting to know the Trinca Family, Maria Paladino, founder of the Butterflies of Hope Foundation is gearing up for a very special, heartwarming evening on January 24th where she will pay tribute to two lives lost too soon, and honor The Trincas – Butterflies of Hope's 1^st 'Hope Family'.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130114/NY41705)

October 8^th 2012 marked one year since the fateful day when Keri Trinca and her little boy, Jason, 7, were killed in a horrific car accident in Manorville, NY as Keri's car was broadsided by a van as she was pulling out of their development, Country Pointe. Keri Trinca's other two children Marialena and Christopher were air-lifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

In the dark days following the accident, Keri Trinca's husband, Jay, remained by his children's bedsides as his daughter, then-4-year old Marialena endured numerous procedures to repair broken bones as well as 3 brain operations to relieve hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, following a severe brain injury. Marialena's brother, then-2-year old Christopher suffered a severe skull injury and detached eye sockets, and was released after one week. After 4 months in the hospital, Marialena was finally released, but she continues to face challenges, and has been deemed 'permanently disabled'.

A ray of hope: After meeting Jay Trinca, former neighbor Maria Paladino felt compelled to help and, through her heartfelt mission, the Butterflies of Hope Foundation was born. The organization was created to help families as they face devastating tragedy. A fundraiser, "The Keri & Jason Trinca Memorial Event," will be held on January 24, 2013 at Giorgio's in Baiting Hollow and will celebrate two lives, gone too soon.

The event will feature a Chinese Auction, dinner, dancing, a special tribute performance and presentation of Jay Trinca and his two little Miracles, Marialena and Christopher. 


Corporate and individual tables are still available. For more information on the Trinca Family, or to purchase tickets to the January 24th fundraiser, visit www.butterfliesofhopefoundation.org or contact the Butterflies of Hope Foundation at 631.312.0777.

About Butterflies of Hope Foundation, Inc.: 
The Butterflies of Hope Foundation was founded with one goal in mind: To help families that are struck by a tragic loss cope with the many challenges - financial, emotional and personal - that may affect their quality of life, and prevent them from carrying out their day-to-day obligations and activities. 

Through partnerships with medical organizations and local area hospitals, the Butterflies of Hope Foundation will screen candidates, determine eligibility, and contact families in their time of need, providing assistance on a case-by-case basis.

Company Contact Information
Butterflies of Hope Foundation, Inc. 
Maria Paladino 
17 PARK CIR 
11767-1917 
Phone : 6313120777  

SOURCE Butterflies of Hope Foundation, Inc.