When her children’s father passed away suddenly in December 2014, Krystal Miller found herself facing the challenge of being a single mom trying to raise three kids.
“My initial concern was their well-being,” Miller said. “Their dad was a big part of their life. I know their pain is going to carry on, so I’m trying to support them and raise them on my own and make sure they’re okay.”
In addition to the family, the sudden passing of Chris Vincenti was a huge loss to the Carle Place community, who joined in mourning the loss of the Carle Place High School alum.
When he heard of Vincenti’s passing, fellow Frog Ruben Morales Jr. wanted to do something to help the family. He and Vincenti played on the same football team in high school, and Morales is friends with Miller and knew their three children—Dylan, 13, Cole, 10, and Ava Rose, 8.
“The kids are good kids,” Morales said. “I felt like there had to be something I could do for them.”
Morales decided to set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise money for the kids, after hearing about the success the popular crowdfunding site had for one of his business clients. GoFundMe has helped families for nearly five years. Hundreds of thousands of people have raised more than $900 million collectively from more than 10 million donors through the GoFundMe website.
Over four months, 54 people donated more than $5,000 to the Vincenti kids. The money raised will be split between the children to use for whatever they need.
“I think a lot of donations came in from his family out of state which was nice because those people were able to lend a hand and know it was going to the kids,” Morales said. “The original goal was for $5,000, and it went over that which was nice. We wanted every kid to walk away with $1,500. It’s not [a lot] but it can help in some way.”
Morales told Miller about the page a few weeks into it, and she was blown away by the generosity and support shown by both people she knew and strangers.
“Feeling the love and support from the community is such a big thing. It means a lot to me and my children,” Miller said.
Donations are still being accepted for the Vincenti kids. Find out more and donate at www.gofundme.com/KidsofChris.
