Many of you are aware that on June 16th, our dear friend Vince Mazza passed away. This continues to be an unthinkable loss for all of us, and one with which we are still coming to terms. For Vince’s wife, Norma, and his sons, Danny and Jonathan, the phrase “coming to terms” takes on a whole new meaning.

Vince was a proud, unbelievably hard working individual. He worked several jobs to take care of his family. After his death, it has become apparent that without Vince’s income, the family is in dire need of financial help to see them through this transition time. The situation is quite serious, and the money is needed as soon as possible.

We are reaching out to all those who knew and loved Vince, with the hope that you will join us in helping his family. We assure you that if the situation were reversed, Vince would have done the same for you. We are also hoping that you will, in turn, pass this letter on to as many of your friends and family as you can and ask them to join our efforts.

To this end, it is our pleasure to invite you to a memorial benefit in Vince’s honor. The information is as follows:

WHEN: Saturday, September 9th at 8 p.m.

WHERE: St. Mary’s Church Hall, 81st Street and Ridge Blvd., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

ADMISSION PRICE: $30.00

The admission price includes a hot/cold buffet, a DJ, live entertainment, a video tribute, and several opportunities to win money and prizes!! There will be a cash bar. And there will be lots of reminiscing, which with Vince can only mean tons of smiles and laughs.

So many of you approached us during the time following Vince’s passing, asking if there was anything you could do to help. Without compromising the family’s privacy, we cannot stress enough how critical a time this is for them, and how desperately they need our help. We hope that you will be able to join us at the benefit. However, if you are unable to attend, we are hoping you can find it in your hearts to send a donation anyway.

Here are the ways you can help:

1. Purchase admission to the benefit by calling 718-907-3422 or by filling out the slots below, after which you will receive an email or phone call confirmation.

2. Send a donation by making a check made payable to St. Mary’s Church. Please indicate "DONATION ONLY - NOT ATTENDING" on the check and address the envelope as follows: “In Memory of Vince”, c/o Karen Tadross, 80 - 80th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209.

3. Purchase 50/50 raffle tickets -- $2.00 each or $10.00 for a book of six. Or help us sell them! To volunteer, please leave a message at 718-907-3422, or fill out the slots below and leave a message in the comments section indicating you would like to help. Someone will contact you and arrange to supply you with the raffle books.

4. Offer to work the event. We need people to help bartend, serve food, set up and clean up, etc. If you can donate any time whatsoever, please call 718-907-3422 or fill out the slots below with a note in the comments section. The fewer people we have to pay, the more money goes directly to the family, so your time would be deeply appreciated.

5. Please ask everyone you know to visit this website (www.jeffsamaha.com/vincetribute.html), and ask them to do the same!

Under the best of circumstances, it is extremely uncomfortable to ask people for money. Vince’s family is much too proud to ask themselves. That is why we have formed this committee – to help raise enough money to see them through this difficult time, while allowing them to retain their dignity. We ask for your discretion when discussing the situation, and for your prayers. They are needed much more than you know.

We thank you in advance for your generosity, and look forward to sharing this wonderful evening with you. Let’s all get together and remember Vince the way he would have liked us to – with a smile and a song (and a whole lot of harmony!).

With our warmest regards,

The Steering Committee

If you want to make reservations or volunteer to help using this method below, please make sure you fill out all the boxes, so we know how to reach you for confirmation.

BY CAR FROM LONG ISLAND:
Belt Parkway to exit 2 (4th Ave./Fort Hamilton Parkway) Drive straight at the light to 82nd St., make left, go to Colonial Road make right on 81st Street; the church is on the southwest corner, entrance on 81st Street

BY CAR FROM MANHATTAN AND BRONX:
Battery tunnel to Gowanus, follow signs to Belt Parkway, staying left at the fork, which is just past 39th st. exit. Get off at exit 1 (67st exit)bear right at the fork and make right onto Colonial Road, go to 81st and make a left to Ridge Blvd; the church is on the southwest corner, entrance on 81st Street

BY CAR FROM QUEENS: BQE to Gowanus, follow signs to Belt Parkway, staying left at the fork which is just past 39th st. exit. Get off at exit 1 (67st exit)bear right at the fork and make right onto Colonial Road, go to 81st and make a left to Ridge Blvd; the church is on the southwest corner, entrance on 81st Street

.

Return to cover page, click here.