Fundraiser to benefit child abuse prevention

PINE PLAINS — In the wake of tragedy, Veronica Brenner is working to ensure some good emerges.

It’s been less than six months since her 5-year-old son, Khaliff Hankerson, was murdered by his father, Franklin Hankerson, who then took his own life on April 6 at his home in Ancramdale.

Brenner, known as Ronnie to her friends and fellow volunteers on the Pine Plains Fire and Rescue Squad, is one of several people organizing a fundraiser to be held Saturday, Sept. 25, or Sunday, Sept. 26, at the  Backyard Garden on Route 199, west of the main traffic light and next to Tower Pizza, in Pine Plains. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Dr. Stephen & Suzanne Menkes Child Advocacy Program, part of the Columbia Memorial Hospital and an associate member of the National Children’s Alliance.

The idea for a benefit actually came about from a friend, Brenner explained, who dreamt of Khaliff wearing a T-shirt that read, “Khaliff’s Belief.� That idea gave way to the name of what Brenner hopes becomes a series of benefits.

“The belief is that no child should be afraid to be at home,� she explained. There will be T-shirts and bracelets with the phrase available at the function, where appetizers and desserts will be served. A deejay will be playing music and it will be a casual opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors, Brenner said, even if the cause is serious.

“Most child abuse groups highlight abuse you can see,� Brenner explained, “whether it’s physical or sexual. But Khaliff wasn’t abused like that; it was more mental and emotional abuse. I want to try to bring more attention to those issues, the kinds of abuse you can’t see.�

Brenner also said that if people are unable to attend but still interested in donating, contributions can be sent to “The Ronnie Brenner Fund� at the Stissing National Bank in Pine Plains, with a memo stipulating the money is for The National Children’s Alliance. That fund was set up following Khaliff’s death in April to assist the family with funeral costs, but Brenner said all of the money going forward will be used in her son’s memory toward charitable causes.

Brenner added that she’s hoping to hold a golf tournament in the spring and that future funds can be raised to be able to give out scholarships for preschool students and graduating high school seniors.

Tickets for “Khaliff’s Belief,� which will run from 1 to 4 p.m., are $7 for adults and $3 for children. They can be purchased at the door the day of the event or in advance from the Backyard Garden or the Pine Plains Pharmacy.