Playground will serve as memorial for tots

When Brian Burke and Cary (Capurso) Burke, lifelong residents of Bergen and graduates of Byron-Bergen High School, lost their twin boys, they knew they didn't want their memories to be forgotten. The Burkes were blessed with a daughter, Genna, and then the twins, Teddy and Tyler came along. The boys were born premature and Tyler lost his fight with life when he was three weeks old. One month shy of his second birthday, the family lost Teddy.

Because Brian and Cary have such strong ties to the community in which they live and because they want the memory of their sons to live on, they are organizing a fundraiser to benefit the Teddy & Tyler Burke Memorial Playground Fund.

According to Brian's aunt, Kathy Langton, the family has always been active in the community. The family formed Ahnie's Angels, named after their aunt, and have volunteered both time and money to several causes. "Ahnie spent her life giving to everyone and when she was no longer able to do it herself, her family took over, formed Ahnie's Angels and have continued her tradition of helping others," Langton said.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, March 4 at 6 p.m. at the South Byron Fire Company Rec Hall. The cost is $25 per person and includes a buffet dinner, dessert table, music by the Cummings Family & Friends, silent and Chinese auction, 50/50 drawings and door prizes.

"Brian and Cary chose to raise money for a playground, which will be built on the grounds of the Gillam-Grant Community Center, because they have wonderful memories of time spent there when they were growing up," Langton said. "They want the playground to provide new memories for the children who come there and they want the memory of their boys to live on in the laughter of others."

Reservations to the dinner celebration are necessary by February 27 and can be made by calling 293-2997. Tax deductible donations to the Teddy & Tyler Burke Memorial Playground fund can be sent to the Gillam-Grant Community Center, 6966 West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416. Checks should be made out to the Gillam-Grant Center with a note that the check is for the playground.

February 12, 2006