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04/30/2015 12:01 AMAs PTA vice-president at the Montowese Elementary School where her youngest of two sons attends, Carlene Magro has helped with her share of fundraising events but is now facing one that hits home on a personal level.
Carlene’s family recently lost a close family friend, North Haven resident Michael Jung. Jung was recently hit and killed by a motor vehicle on March 11 while out walking in town.
The incident devastated Carlene’s family. Jung was her husband Darrin’s best friend for 32 years and a member of her wedding party 12 years ago.
“He was the best friend any guy could ask for,” says Darrin.
“He was the go-to guy for many in town,” says Carlene.
Jung leaves behind his wife Sue and 18-year-old daughter Amanda, who just started college in September and is now struggling to continue her education without the support of her father.
As someone used to helping wherever she can, Carlene knew she needed to do something.
Carlene, together with her husband, began the process of organizing the “Big Mike” Jung Memorial Car Show in memory of Jung, with all proceeds going to Amanda.
Carlene says, “We are in the early stages of organizing this May 31 event but already have food vendors, location, and entertainment locked in.”
Local food vendors Spud Stud, the New Haven Pizza Truck, Christiano’s Pizzeria Mobile, and an ice cream truck will be at this event and will donate a portion of their proceeds to the “Big Mike” fund.
For many, this large-scale fundraiser would seem incredibly challenging, but for Carlene, who recently helped with the hugely successful Montowese School PTA Vendor Village event, it’s just what needed to be done for someone who has meant so much to so many.
“We currently have 14 sponsors, 13 of them businesses. We’re just so impressed with the support and help we’ve received in town,” says Carlene.
She adds, “It is truly a family fun event with food, games, great cars, and more.”
Kids are welcome, and there will also be music from The Boys of Doo Wop and trophies for the top winners as well as prizes for attendees.
With her son Nicholas in grade school, Carlene initially got involved volunteering on committees, and then officially came on board the PTA in 2013 because, she says, “I wanted to get more involved with helping create fun memories for the kids as well as raising money for the school.”
Carlene adds, “I have an older son Tyler, who is now in college. He went through Montowese, and I know how important the PTA is in making those memories for the kids.”
Carlene emphasizes the importance of “enjoying these times with the kids, because before you know it, they are off to college,” as well as spending time with great friends, because life can be cut too short.
To nominate a Person of the Week, contact Jaki Lauper at j.lauper@shorepublishing.com.
The “Big Mike” Jung Memorial Car Show will be held on Sunday, May 31 [rain date on Sunday, June 7] from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Haven Middle School on Bailey Road. There is a $5 donation fee for spectators and $10 for cars. Spectators are asked to park at the high school. All muscle and race cars are welcome. For more information, call Darrin Magro at 203-627-5155 or email bigmikefund@gmail.com.