Brendan House Fundraiser, 'Believe' At Martha Clara Thursday

Feel like raising the roof and decking the halls for a good cause?

"Believe," a fundraiser for the Brendan House, a facility to be built on Sound Avenue to help those with traumatic brain injuries, will be held on Thursday at Martha Clara Vineyards from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The event will feature live music by Aron Michaels, hors d'oeuvres, raffles, wine and cheese. Admission cost $30 per person; make checks payable to New Beginnings, 12 Platinum Court, Medford, NY, 11763.

In recent months, the Riverhead community has come together with an outpouring of support to help build the Brendan House on Sound Avenue.

The facility will be home to Riverhead teen Michael Hubbard, who was badly burned in a gel candle accident two years ago.

The Brendan House put out a call for volunteer framers every day including Sundays until the project is finished. Those who know how to swing a hammer or would like to learn are asked to call 631-245-0333. Community Service letters can be given. 

Inmates from the Suffolk County Correctional Facility even lent a hand.

In recent months, two fundraisers were held to benefit the Brendan House. New Beginnings Community Center hosted both fundraisers; the first involved Sky Dive Long Island and the All Star bowling alley, who teamed up for Sky Bowling; Skydivers of Long Island transformed into human bowling balls, jumping from airplanes and hitting huge life size pins.

Next, a second fundraiser, a Country Fair, was held, featuring pig and duck races and family fun.

Earlier in the year, the Riverhead Rotary Club presented New Beginnings Community Center with a check for $5,000, to help fund renovations of the Brendan House.

At the recent Riverhead Rotary event were Sandi and Marshall Aykroyd, parents of Brendan Knight Akroyd, a young man who also sustained traumatic brain injury. He died in June, 2011, and the Brendan House is named in his honor.

Nancy Reyer, mother of Michael Hubbard, was also onhand. Her son has been grappling with TBI as a result of the severe burns he suffered as a result of the accident on May, 28, 2011.

After he was badly burned, Michael was transported to Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, N.Y. in Sept., 2011 by the same team that rescued him.

Allyson Barone Scerri of New Beginnings Community Center said many caring and skilled volunteers have offered their services and donations of materials from building supply companies have also poured in, but funds are still needed.

To that end, fundraising efforts for New Beginnings continue for the Brendan House.

The nonprofit corporation held its 5th Annual Summer Gala at the Long Island Aquarium in August.

After Michael's accident, the community came together to send love and support, following his progress, and holding fundraisers and events to help him with mounting expenses.