Fundraisers Will Aid Rocky Point Boy's Recovery After Being Hit by Taxi

It's been three weeks since 12-year-old Rocky Point student Johnny Vento was while riding a mini scooter.

Vento is currently in ICU Unit and is battling his way back to a hopeful recovery, but the road is going to be difficult. The Vento family is currently deciding whether to transfer Johnny to a Rehabilitation Facility in Westchester County.

Although some medical insurance is in place, monetary issues are already arising due to Johnnyʼs parents' desire to be by his side. Now, the community is stepping up to help Johnny and his family during their fight. A group called Johnny's Journey has been created by Rocky Point residents Bob Lo Nigro and Carrie Schley.

"I never knew the family, I only knew Johnny from seeing him around the block a little bit," Lo Nigro said. "You hear about a kid that something tragic happens to him like that, you talk to a few people and you say 'maybe there’s something we can do.'"

Lo Nigro got a call one evening from his neighbor who knew the Vento's, Carrie Schley. She introduced him to the family, the two got in touch with Betty Loughran of the Rocky Point PTA, and it progressed from there.

"Within 24 hours we had a P.O. Box, a bank account, a boat load of people lined up ready to do stuff and it took off from there," he said.

The group's first fundraiser is going to be a Chinese Auction held at the on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The group is asking for a $5.00 per person or $20 per family donation at the door for the event sponsored by the Rocky Point PTA. Each person will receive two raffle tickets and food and refreshments. Johnny's Journey will also have a booth set up at Spring Fest to spread awareness and accept donations.

Any baskets or gift certificates collected by any volunteer willing to help the efforts can notify via email Mrs. Kathy Heggers at kheggers70@gmail.com or Mrs. Iris Strong at strong_iris@yahoo.com.

Monetary donations made payable to Johnnyʼs Journey can be mailed to P.O. Box 408 Rocky Point, NY 11778.

Lo Nigro also said that he will be distributing Johnny's Journey shirts to the two Rocky Point Middle School lacrosse teams, which Johnny was a part of, when they square off April 25 at 4 p.m. at the lower field.

"It’s going to be a big night," he said. "I'm bracing myself for an emotional night."