Hillsborough Township residents will have an opportunity this March to support a local non-profit group aimed to reach out to people and families affected by ALS.
On March 22, Deb Fabricatore will be the host to an afternoon to honor her younger brother, John Bocskocsky, to benefit “Hark-ALS.” Hark is a Hillsborough based non-profit organization which aims to provide financial and compassionate resources for pALS (people with ALS) and their families across the United States.
Fabricatore lost her brother at the age of 51. The day will include light fare, cash bar, silent auction and live music by Clyde St. Clifford and the Omnidextrous Jazz Ensemble. Proceeds from the event will go to financial assistance for individuals living with ALS, as well as Hark’s Hopemobiles Program.
“It is organizations such as HARK that provide financial and emotional resources to help families get through such dark and difficult times,” said Fabricatore said in a statement. “After my brother’s passing, it was my personal mission to bring awareness to the devastation of this debilitating disease, not only to the person diagnosed with ALS, but to the entire family.”
Over the years, the event has attracted local politicians who joined forces to support this vital cause, including Senator Kip Bateman (R-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset), Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, Warren) and Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset), local officials and freeholders.
The Hopewell Valley High School Robotics team have also attended and plan to again, encouraging others to share their time and talents. Robotic devices have provided great support to the ALS community.
“Since Deb started the John Bocskocsky Memorial ALS Event in 2018, she has raised close to $45,000, significantly increasing the number of families Hark-ALS has helped; truly making a difference in their lives as they battle this horrible disease,” said Hark Founder Donna York. “Easing the financial burden families face in their ALS journey is a beautiful way for Deb to honor her brother’s memory. Hark-ALS and the families we help sincerely appreciate Deb’s dedication to the ALS community.”
About Hark
Hark-ALS was started in 2011 in memory of Charlie “Hark” Dorney, York’s father, after he lost his battle with ALS in 2009. Hark-ALS is on a mission to share the real story of ALS and provide a network of compassionate resources for families. “My dad always taught me that if you have the opportunity to help someone, take it,” York shared. That inspired York and her six siblings to help Hark-ALS raise $1.7 million dollars for ALS families across the country.
To RSVP for the event, or to simply donate, visit this link http://bit.ly/2Si4frI. To purchase tickets by mail, make checks payable to HARK-ALS (enter “John B” in the memo section) and mail to: PO Box 6627, Hillsborough NJ 08844.
For additional information, contact Deb Fabricatore at Debfab54@aol.com or 908.420.4751. All donations are tax deductible. Tax ID #45-2768674.
