‘ Let’s come together’
Fundraisers set for son of slain woman
ANSONIA — Friends and family of a young mother who was killed over the summer will hold a series of upcoming fundraising events to benefit her 3- year old son.
The events will take place during the month of October, which is national Domestic Violence Month.
Rosalie Acquefreda, 20, was found bleeding from stab wounds on North Coe Lane Aug. 30, and later was pronounced dead at Griffin Hospital. Her ex- boyfriend, Andre LeFrancois, 22, has been charged with her death. The two have a child together, Eli, who is staying with Acquefreda’s family.
Family friend Chelsea Davila is helping spread the word about the fundraisers, and also created an Amazon wish list for Eli where people can purchase toys, clothing and Eli’s favorite snacks.
“Lets come together and really spread the word,” Davila said. “There are people that are going through domestic violence and don’t know that they can get out of that situation. I don’t want to see what happened to Rose happen to anyone else. She was a mother, sister, daughter, cousin, best friend and no one deserves this to happen to them … no one.”
The fundraising events will kick off Oct. 13 at Grandpa’s Diner, 686 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck, where 20 percent of the day’s sales will be donated to Eli. On Oct. 14, at Chifrijo, 242 Main St., Ansonia, 20 percent of the day’s sales will benefit Eli.
From 2 to 4 p. m. Oct. 17, a Domestic Violence Awareness event will be held at Veteran’s Park downtown, located next to Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main St, where masks, T- shirts and car decals will be available for sale, with proceeds going to Eli.
A family friend also started a GoFundMe, where more than $ 14,000 already has been raised.
Acquefreda’s boyfriend Christian Federici posted a note on the page, expressing gratitude for all the support him and the family are receiving, saying the money will help the family with funeral expenses and a college fund for Eli. He also said he and some of Acquefreda’s friends plan to start a foundation in her name to raise awareness about domestic violence prevention.
Acquefreda and LeFrancois were in a legal custody battle over the child.
Anyone in the Valley seeking help can reach the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence at 203- 736- 9944 or 888- 774- 2900. Statewide domestic violence assistance can be found at www. CTSafeConnect. org or by calling 888- 774- 2900.