Newtown Lodge Hosting Berry Family Fundraiser

The last time Dale Homnick saw Holly Huynh Berry, she was only an infant bopping along in a baby bouncer. Even though it had been years since he was in the same room with her, Holly's death from a car crash on Nov. 21 still hit Homnick hard.

"It was horrible," said Homnick. "I have three kids of my own, I can't imagine what it would be like if something took them away. Their lives are changed forever."

As a tribute to Holly, and an effort to raise money for the conitued care and support of her grandmother, Suzanne, who has been hospitalized with brain injuries since the accident, Homnick has helped organize a fundraiser benefit for the Berry family.

"The money will go directly to the family," said Homnick. "The Berrys are not ones to ask for help. You just have to do it, and you know they will be grateful for it."

The rain or shine event will be held at Bucks County FOP 53 Pavilion, 1051 Mill Creek Road, in the Wycombe section of Newtown. Cost will be $25 for adults; $5 for children age 6 and up; free for children 5 and under.

While folks are invited to gather under the worst circumstances, Homnick promises a full day of fun activities for the whole family. The first half of the day begins at noon with activities geared to the kids, including the Philly Zoo on Wheels sponsored by National Penn Bank and firetrucks from the Lingohocken Fire Company.

"Holly was really into art, so we're going to have plenty of arts & crafts for the kids to do," said Homnick. "It's the day before Mother's Day, so it's the perfect time to make something for mom."

At approximately 3 p.m., the fundrasier will start to transition into a beef & beer event for the adults. Volleyball and horseshoes will be set up, plus raffles, a silent auction and live music from Philly band Glim Dropper.

"If the weather holds out," said Homnick, "we are going to set up a large balloon. People can write messages to Holly, then we will launch it and try to get the messages to heaven."

Registration and donations may be paid through a link set up on Homnick's website.

For more information, visit the event's Facebook page. 

The trial for Drew Bodden, the man accused of ramming his Mustang into the back of Berry's car, is scheduled to begin June 3 at the Bucks County Courthouse. Bodden faces third degree murder and other related charges.