Community turns out to support hit-and-run victim

Last evening I had some faith renewed, and in of all places, little old downtown Riverhead.

My nephew, Aaron Hartmann, was a victim of a hit and run on Mother’s Day morning. He went from clinging to life, to clinging on to a leg that almost had to go, to clinging onto his own faith, to wanting to jump back into life. He and his Mom don’t have much. She is unemployed and now caring for Aaron until he is able to care for himself.

Last night an amazing thing happened in downtown Riverhead. People did what people seem to do best, show the empathetic side of ourselves. We gathered at Athens Grill, because John Mantzopoulos stepped forward and offered his establishment to my family for the evening.

And a community turned out.

Some friends who I expected to show did not. However, many people who I never expected to show, did just that. You know, I have a lot to learn about expectations. I witnessed the Spero-Messina clan put together a raffle from gifts donated from all over our town, and I saw how unconditional love was displayed from all who were there. I asked the town supervisor to say a few words, and without politics in his heart, he framed the scene with words of faith, and forgiveness.

And then Aaron showed up. This kid is a battler.  A couple of friends set up and played jazz. The food and laughter were refreshing. We managed to raise a couple of bucks — about $1,500 all, not much when you think about the enormous bills mounting. But enough so his mom can pay some living expenses while Aaron is on the mend and until any insurance money may come in. You know how insurance companies are.

I think the real value was in the team effort put forth, and encouragement that is invaluable to Aaron and his mom, and consequently, to all of us who helped out by being there together last night to help with the singing.

You know, I somehow think we all walked out of Athens last night with a little more faith and hope than we walked in with. All in our little old downtown Riverhead.

Editor’s note: If you’d like to make a donation to Aaron Hartmann, his mailing address is P.O. Box 1687, Riverhead, NY 11901.