The late Maria Niotis, left, and the late Isabella Salas.
A pop-up record and CD sale in Cranford will benefit the families of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, two 17-year-olds recently struck by a car and killed while riding their eBikes.
The sale will take place Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 109 N. Union Ave. The space was donated by Rafi Namroud, owner of Cranford’s Old City Café and Grill. Donations of records and CDs can be made on Oct. 17 from 2 to 6 p.m.
The sale will be hosted by Rich Russo, who has his own syndicated free-form radio show, “Anything, Anything,” and also owns a massive collection of records and CDs.
“Ever since the tragedy involving Maria and Isabella, I’ve been in a funk like everyone else in the area over the senselessness of it, and wanted to help in any way I could,” said Russo (who is a Cranford resident), in a press release. “I came across a large record collection at an estate sale here in town and decided to buy the entire thing with the goal of reselling it to raise money for the families. While having dinner at Old City, I mentioned it to Rafi, who kindly offered me one of his empty spaces to use for the pop-up. The space turned out to be much bigger than expected, so I’m encouraging anyone who wants to donate records or CDs — of any genre — to drop them off.”
Funds will be distributed through Cranford Family Care, a nonprofit organization that will provide tax receipts for all donations and purchases. Donations can also be made at cranfordfamilycare.com/donate (type “RECORD SALE for Maria and Isabella” in the “In Memory/Honor Of” box).
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