Community Corner

Hampton Bays Mom Still Seeking Justice for Joe

Dorothy Marino's son Joe was killed in a tragic DWI accident in 2009; the local mom is just short of reaching her fundraising goal before Saturday's Walk Like Madd event in Farmingdale

In an effort to keep her youngest son's memory alive, Hampton Bays mom Dorothy Marino is aiming to raise over $1,500 at the Walk Like Madd 2012 event being held at Farmingdale State College on Saturday. 

Marino says she and her team, "Justice for Joe," have already raised $1,455. While her team has gone above and beyond its goals in previous years, this year she is trying to be hopeful that they will reach their goal. 

"I've surpassed the goal in the past, but I'm not sure it is going to happen this year. It is disheartening," she said. 

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Marino says the fundraising is so vital to MADD because the money is used to help support victims, spread the word about drunk driving and help change laws.

"MADD was there for me when I lost my son," said Marino.

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Marino's son, Joseph, was killed by a drunk driver in August, 2009, struck by a car driven by Mattituck resident Caroline Goss while standing with friends at the corner of Ponquogue Avenue and Argonne Road.

Goss, whose six-year-old was in the car at the time of the incident, was sentenced to six months in prison and served four months.

Marino, who says she pledged to her son that she will not let his death be in vain, has worked "do what she can" to help educate area youth. She has spoken to students at Hampton Bays High School, urged officials to change DWI laws, and recently became certified to teach a new program, called Power of Parents.

The program, said Marino, sends instructors into the school to teach parents how to talk to their children about drinking. Marino said she hopes to start talking to parents through the program, starting next September.

To donate to Marino's cause click here


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