ANGELS UPBEAT ON KIDS
Area residents will have a chance on Jan. 27 to have fun and help mentally or physically challenged children at the same time.
The opportunity lies in the second Night of the Angels at the Old Orchard Country Club, Eatontown. The affair is sponsored by Alyssa's Angels, a nonprofit organization headed by Antonio and Casey Cantaffa, West Long Branch.
Alyssa's Angels was formed by the Cantaffas to help their daughter, Alyssa, and other area children who are mentally or physically disadvantaged.
The Cantaffas founded the organization in May 2003 and have raised money through the annual event, as well as golf outings and other events.
According to Michael Stout, one of three directors, the organization raises money for families of children with disabilities and helps them with durable medical equipment -- such as braces -- that they otherwise couldn't afford.
It has offered to buy special equipment that challenged children can use, and install it in a West Long Branch park.
"Conway Park is one we believe is suitable," Stout said. "We presented the proposal to Mayor Janet Tucci and told her we're willing to spend anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000. Park equipment is not cheap."
Tucci on Dec. 21 told the Borough Council about the offer and said the proposal is being considered.
Alyssa Cantaffa, 7, was born "a perfectly healthy child," according to her mother. But at three weeks of age she developed whooping cough, an infectious disease that eventually interfered with her intake of oxygen and damaged her brain.
Alyssa uses a wheelchair, although she can walk a little with assistance. She attends the School for Children, Eatontown.
The blond youngster was chosen by Toys 'R Us for the cover of its annual Toy Guide, a catalog that is distributed throughout the country during the Christmas shopping season.
"I believe if you have a positive attitude and believe things will work out, they will," Casey Cantaffa said. "We were told by some doctors she was going to be blind. She's not. And I believe she will walk some day.
"Antonio and I are so thankful that she is here," Cantaffa said. "We wanted to do something to help other families and children like ours.
"It's extremely easy to get depressed and feel sorry for oneself," she said. "But we turned it into a positive situation. We believe in giving back, in staying positive."
On Jan. 27 the Cantaffas expect upward of 350 "angels" to join them in giving these children a chance for a better life.
Casey Cantaffa said the organization developed from a lifelong bond between her husband and Stout, an Ocean Township resident.
They grew up and attended grammar and high school together. When Stout and his wife, Karen, learned of the Cantaffa family's situation, they wanted to help.
Stout said the Alyssa's Angels board of directors has contributed several things to benefit challenged children, including a lift at a Colts Neck riding stable. The instrument lifts the child out of a wheelchair and onto a horse, he said.
"But most of all we wanted to donate special equipment to West Long Branch for installation in a park," Stout said. "Conway Park, located opposite the Betty McElmon School on Parker Road, seems to be appropriate for that type of equipment.
"We raised $52,000 in our first year, so we have the resources to buy and install the equipment.
"The proposed park would include features like the water spray at the Dorbrook Recreation Area in Colts Neck," Stout said. "The sprinkler sprays water over kids in wheelchairs and they love it."
Other directors are Craig Kiely and Amelia Cantaffa, Casey Cantaffa's sister-in-law. Antonio Cantaffa is president and his wife is executive director.
Other officers are Deborah Kelly, vice president; Peter Ciambrone, treasurer, and Denisa Kessler, secretary.
"My husband and I did a lot of fund-raising for another nonprofit organization, and we wanted to do more," Casey Cantaffa said. "It's going to a park and seeing the smiles on the faces of these children," she said. "They're so happy. There's so much joy. It makes it all worthwhile."
The $75 ticket to the Night of the Angels is tax-deductible and includes an open bar, dinner and dancing to a DJ from 7 to 11 p.m. Checks should be made payable to Alyssa's Angels and mailed to P.O. Box 93, West Long Branch NJ 07764.