Dylan and Preston Giangregorio tragically lost their lives on June 11, 2016 after an accidental fall at the lower falls in Letchworth State Park. Sarah Bubel, the boys’ Mom, wanted to remember her sons on this day, not as a day of sorrow but as an opportunity to give back to the community and be surrounded by children’s laughter. Sarah and her family will host the first annual benefit in memory of Dylan and Preston.
Sarah found some of the greatest support she received after losing both of her sons came from the children of the community. Children and classmates sent her letters sharing stories about her sons and telling her of all the fun times they had with the boys. According to Sarah’s grandmother, Sharon, those letters are what got her daughter through her darkest days. “By the children sharing memories of Dylan and Preston, they helped keep the boys alive.”
On Saturday, June 10, rain or shine, this fundraiser event will be held at the Brockport Exempt Club, 248 West Avenue from 2 to 7 p.m.
The family fun events will include a bounce house, games, a duck pond, kid’s DJ, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy, lemonade stand run by Maddy, sister of Dylan and Preston, a bake sale, hot dog lunch and strawberry shortcake.
Adult activities are in the evening from 6 to 11 p.m. including a DJ, Chinese auction, a cash bar offered by Stoneyards and garbage plates offered by Jimmy Z’s. T-shirts and wristbands will be available for sale, and people can participate in a balloon send off included with personal messages sent to the boys in heaven.
Tickets can be purchased at the event $10 per person or $25 for a family up to five people. All proceeds will go to three benefactors: Brockport Child Development Center, Ginther School (where Preston attended), and Barclay School (where Dylan attended). The family hopes to make this an annual event to help provide scholarships to be used by local children in need for expenses like band, sports uniforms and yearbooks.
For more information, email Sharon at sharon040608@gmail.com.
