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BUTLER - Benefit concert planned for Walek family
(by Stephen Janoski - Staff Writer - July 23, 2008)
BUTLER - When Rich Weiner heard about the death of his cousin’s wife, Butler mother of eight Stacey Walek, his first thought was he had to help the family.
An idea that sprung up from a conversation with his uncle, Dan Walek, 54, of Toronto, Canada, has now snowballed into the event that Rich hopes will benefit the children of Stacey and Vinny Walek and ease the family’s financial burdens.
That event will be a concert at noon on Saturday, July 26 at the Grasshopper Too in Wayne where the community can come together to lend a hand.
Stacey, who was 45, left her home to go to work at Alure Hair Designs in Pompton Plains on March 19. She checked into the Regency House Hotel in Pompton Plains that night, where the staff was the last to see her.
Reported missing the following day, Walek was the subject of a massive grassroots effort to locate her, with area people posting fliers in numerous towns in an effort to find her.
Stacey’s body was discovered on May 4 in woods off of Farmingdale Road in Wayne. Authorities are still awaiting the autopsy report in order to find the cause of death, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
“It’s been really tough, especially on Vinny,” Rich said. “He’s got the responsibility of eight kids on his shoulders, and he misses his wife, so we’re trying to get as many people as possible. It kind of spread like wildfire. I handed out some fliers to some family members, and it’s taken off from there.”
Rich also mentioned that the support of the numerous members of the Walek family has been helping to assure the fundraiser’s success. He appreciated, too, the backing of Tom Fitzpatrick, owner of the Grasshopper Too, where the benefit concert will be held.
“Mr. Fitzpatrick was great. As soon as he heard it was a benefit, he stepped right up to the plate and offered to help in any way he could. It’s a great Irish place, and it’s easily accessible for everyone, whether they’re coming from Wayne, Butler, or anywhere else,” said Rich.
Fitzpatrick said, “It’s all for a good cause. I didn’t know the family, but my cousin did…basically we’re opening the door to them, and not charging for the room or anything.”
The Walek family has very strong ties to this area. Six of the eight Walek children attend DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, with one having recently graduated.
Rich is also a William Paterson University graduate who lives in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne. Dan was a Butler resident before moving to Canada.
Besides entertainment, there will be a light buffet, as well as a cash bar and a raffle to win two Yankees tickets.
Throughout the day, Rich and Dan, who call themselves “The Wallies,” will play acoustic sets made up of rock songs, Irish tunes, and some originals that they say they have written about their family. This musical exchange has become a tradition for him and his uncle when they get together.
“I’ve played guitar for over 30 years, and I’ve played with many cover bands. We’ll both be playing and singing,” Rich said.
Vinny is appreciative of the support he has received, saying in a written statement, “The love and support that my family has received over the past couple of months has been huge. I thank God daily for the strength he has given us, through our family and friends. We are truly grateful for everything that has been done for us. My eight children are healthy, loving and respectful. This came from their mother.
“This tragedy has changed their lives, but their caring and amazing mother had instilled them with faith and integrity. With this foundation, and the assistance and love of others, they have the toughness to move on but always remember. To everyone who has held my family in their prayers: Thank you.”
The suggested donation at the door will be $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and up. Children under 12 will get in free.
The money will be going toward a trust fund. Those unable to attend the benefit can send donations to The Walek Family Trust Fund Inc., care of Lakeland State Bank, 6 Carey Ave., Butler, NJ, 07405.
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