$23K Raised For Families Of Girls Killed In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ — Nearly $23,000 was raised over the last two months for the families of two Cranford girls slain in a hit-and-run crash.

Beginning on Oct. 18, DJ Rich Russo and Rafi Namroud, owner of Old City Cafe and Grill, collaborated on multiple fundraising events that wrapped on Nov. 21. All of the proceeds from CD and record sales, a baked goods sale, and donations to Cranford Family Care went to the families of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.

The two 17-year-old girls were killed by a driver in a hit-and-run crash on Sept. 29 while they were riding electronic bikes along Burnside Avenue, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

Vincent P. Battiloro, 17 of Garwood, was identified as the suspect through court records along with reports he had been stalking at least one of the girls for months leading up to the crash. He is charged with two counts of murder and 15 other citations.

"It was really special to see the community and neighboring towns come together for this," Russo said after the conclusion of the event on Nov. 21.

Through his efforts, Russo was able to sell more than 7,000 vinyl and CD items from a collection he purchased for $1,000 and donations of music from the entire community.

Russo bought the entire record collection at an estate sale in Cranford and was offered the space by Namroud, owner of the restaurant, while the two were having dinner one night. Namroud gave Russo and Cranford Family Care the area to use for however they'd like for one month to help the grieving families and community.

"I'd really like to thank everyone who came to the sales and purchased items, those who donated records, those who donated time helping, those who couldn't make it but donated online, Cranford Family Care for getting these funds to the families and to Rafi for the space."

If you missed the sale and would still like to help, monetary donations for the families are still being accepted through Cranford Family Care.

MORE FROM PATCH: 36th Annual Holiday House Tour Benefits Charities In Cranford