Fundraiser Nets Nearly $2,500 for Baby Dominik

A recent fundraiser for Baby Dominik, a 14-month old left without his parents after a recent murder suicide, resulted in nearly $2,500 for the Day family.  The family of Beth Day is currently caring for the boy.

Michael Wawrzyniak, 25, killed Beth Day, 24, and then himself in the couple's Simsbury apartment the night of Sept. 18, police said. Both were Canton High School graduates. 

The Day family hopes to gain permanent custody of Dominik and members of the Canton community have held a couple of fundraisers for the family. Most recently was one last week at Flatbread Company on Wednesday, Oct. 3, an event that drew very large crowds.

A portion of each pizza sale was donated to the effort, resulting in $742, said organizer Karen Manus. In addition, attendees donated an additional $1,685.26 and a gift card to Target, Manus added. 

Manus said she appreciates everyone's efforts, from Flatbread manager Erich Kronschnabel, staff members that dealt with the overwhelming crowds and donated their own money, Naomi Kravitz from Downright Music and Art, who found students to play at the benefit, a group of high schoolers who sold crafts, and Candace Freedenberg and Diep Donovan, who provided support and help publicize the event. 

In all the community has raised more than $7,000 for the family. Another effort, the Day Family Benefit, was held on Sept. 29.

Organizer Laura LaPlante said that event, which included a couple of large donations for unspecified individuals and a foundation, raised a total of $5,000. 

"Nothing can turn back time and prevent the tragedy, but I hope this community effort will help the family feel less alone and someday Dominik will understand how much his town did for him and his family," Manus said.