Kait’s Angels annual yard sale to benefit Mattituck boy, Cutchogue woman facing medical challenges

Two local residents facing serious medical challenges will benefit from Kait’s Angels yard sale on Saturday, with all proceeds from the annual fundraiser going to help their families.

Knox Kopf of Mattituck, a 2-year-old with focal dysplasia who underwent brain surgery at just 1 year old, and Karen Williams, 51, of Cutchogue, who is battling breast cancer, will split the proceeds.

“It would take some of the financial burden off of us due to the medical and transportation cost we incurred during Knox’s treatments and surgery, also with out on-going follow up visits in the city,” said Knox’s mother, Keylin Kopf.

Kait’s Angels founder Darla Doorhy said she looks closely at the circumstances of potential recipients before deciding whom the organization will help.

“I do my due diligence and I see if there’s a need,” Ms. Doorhy said. “And with these two people, there’s a big need.”

Kait’s Angels reached out to the Williams family after Karen’s name came up several times as someone who could use the organization’s help.

“She’s been diagnosed with breast cancer,” said her husband Greg Williams. “She’s in the midst of her treatment, and we’re very optimistic for a positive outcome. It means a lot to Karen. It’s very warming that we live in a community that helps others who need help during difficult times.”

Ms. Doorhy started Kait’s Angels in memory of her daughter Kaitlyn, who died Aug. 22, 2014, at age 20 after she was struck by a car while attending Sacred Heart University.

“My daughter always said, ‘God gave you two hands, one for yourself and one to do for others,’” Ms. Doorhy said. “So that’s our motto and that’s what we do. We help those in need.”

Unlike an ordinary yard sale, people donate items for Kait’s Angels to sell, with the money raised going directly to the selected recipients.

The event typically brings in around $7,000, with last year’s total reaching $7,320. All donations must be dropped off by Friday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The yard sale runs Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Strong’s Marina, 2255 Wickham Avenue in Mattituck. 

The fundraiser is one of several efforts Kait’s Angels holds throughout the year, along with a Christmas toy drive and designer handbag wingo.

“We don’t judge,” Ms. Doorhy said. “If you need help, we help the person.”