By PAM SCHIFF

Blazing heat and scorching temperatures did not deter the family, friends and supporters of the Matracia family at their fundraiser to help rebuild their family home that was lost to a fire in May.

The St. Mary’s Feast Society Hall and parking lot were packed with people all day long offering support and love to the family.

“Based on ticket sales, the girls at the gate said we got about 600 people throughout the day,” said fundraiser co-chair Cherie Bordieri.

Charlie Matracia, one of the displaced family members and the actual homeowner was effusive in his gratitude.

“I would like to thank everyone that came out for the fundraiser to benefit the Matracia family. Myself, my brother Michael, his twin sons (Brendan and Zachary), along with my wife Angela and my three sons (Charles, Andrew and Matthew) were overwhelmed by the support and generosity of everyone that attended,” said Charlie.

The list is long but necessary for the Matracia family to express their appreciation.

“President of the PPD FOP Michael Imondi who worked with lifelong friends Cherie Bordieri and Diane Fargnolli to put together an unforgettable event that we will never forget. The St. Mary’s Society President Matt Volpi was also key in this event. All the volunteers who were there along the way preparing and servicing the event until the every end. We are forever grateful to you all,” Charlie said.

Charlie also added Ryan Nardolillo, Theo Papigiotis, Joshua Barrette, Danny O’Connell, Emilio Matos, Charles Vieira, Danny Henandez, John Borderi, The Providence Police Explorers, Former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, and his wife State Representative, Barbra Ann, former West Warwick Mayor Michael Levesque, Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, Providence Police Colonel Hugh Clements, the Command staff and his brothers and sisters at the Providence Police Department and anyone else who might have helped even a little bit along the way.

“To my neighbors who assisted on that day and our community we shout out loud we love you all. God bless you all,” he said.

Alana Cerrone-O’Hare from Governor Dan McKee’s office presented special gubernatorial citations to Gene “Gino” Hansen and David Rodrigues for their acts of bravery and heroism in alerting Michael to the fire and helping him get safely out of the house.

Allan Fung spoke to the crowd about how important the support and generosity of the community around them.

“We are never ever going to be leaving your side. We are Cranston family,” said Fung.

Bordeiri was very pleased with the event overall.

“Yes I’m very happy with the turnout and the funds raised. The community, friends and family and Charlie and Michael’s brothers and sisters on the department really came together and rallied around the family.  I was overwhelmed with the support. I had tears in my eyes several times through the day just watching everyone and especially the family really embracing the support and having fun after everything they’ve been dealing with,” Bordieri said.