Cranford community raises money for families of teens killed in apparent hit-and-run crash
A series of pop-up record and CD sales will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 109 North Union Ave.
Sunday marked the second day of a fundraiser to help the families of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, the teenage girls killed during an apparent hit-and-run crash in September.
According to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the two teen girls were riding an electric bike on Monday night around 5:30 p.m. when they were hit by a black Jeep Compass.
The 17-year-old suspect is currently in police custody. He was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree. His name was not released due to his age.
Rich Russo, event organizer and radio DJ, is the face behind this weekend's record and CD fundraiser. Much of his collection on sale was secured at an estate sale.
"Turns out nobody else made a higher offer, so then I get called Saturday afternoon, a week ago, saying, 'Hey, come get this record collection,'" he said.
Fast forward to this weekend – and about $10,000 was raised Saturday in a space along North Union Avenue. A similar amount was estimated for Sunday between music sales, baked goods and donations.
Julie Carroll, the director of Cranford Family Care, partnered with Russo for the fundraiser. They have the space for a month, thanks to the help of the owners of Old City Cafe & Grill.
"You never bring enough money in to get these girls back, so you just have the hope it does something and creates awareness that maybe somehow we affect change," said Russo.
Brent Bramnick, an attorney for the Niotis family issued a statement:
“The family is grateful and overwhelmed by the support the community has shown through this extremely difficult time. While we don’t know the specifics of this event, the family welcomes and deeply appreciates this continued support.”
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