Pizzerias across Long Island coming together to support West Babylon community after deadly crash
WEST BABYLON, New York (WABC) -- More than a month after two teens were killed and three others were injured in a late-night crash on Long Island, the community is coming together to support their families.
On Wednesday, hundreds of pizzerias across Long Island are banding together to raise money.
Bella Trezza, 17, was driving the group of teens home from a party at 1 a.m. on Sept. 21 when a 33-year-old driver from Lindenhurst blew a red light and T-boned the SUV carrying the five teens. Police say that driver, Michael Demond, died on impact.
Trezza was put on life support before she died days later. Riley Goot, 18, was also killed in the crash.
As part of the Pizza Strong program, $5 from every pie sold will be donated to the families of the victims.
"It's about the community coming together, hoping that tragedies like this never happen again," said Anthony Minissale of Nunzio's Pizzatown.
For Long Islanders, buying pie after pie is a way of doing something when they feel like it could have been anyone's kids.
Last April, the program raised more than $181,000 for the family of Officer Jonathan Diller and in October of 2023, $102,000 was raised for the families affected by the Farmingdale bush crash tragedy.
"This one here hit home a little bit closer, you know we grew up with the family, the Trezza family and longtime friends," said John Raimondi of Our Little Italy Pizza and Pasta. "I just can't imagine how they feel, can't imagine."
Click here to find a list of participating pizzerias.
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