An Election Day supper and a flag football game on Nov. 12 are scheduled.
By: Charlie Olsen
When Jake Whitenight was born in August of this year, he was born with microtia bilateral atresia, a condition that results in an improperly formed ear canal instead of a regular opening for his ear, he has a bony plate that obstructs the canal.
To remedy the condition, 3-month-old Jake will require a special hearing aid and surgeries from specialists in California or Texas.
To help Jake’s parents, Lynn and corrections officer Paul Whitenight, son of retired Manville Police Lt. Ira Whitenight, pay for the hearing aid, two local groups are planning fundraising events to help.
Tuesday, the Ladies Aid of the Manville Reformed Church will be holding a spaghetti Election Day supper fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m.
"Nothing is covered (by insurance)," Debbie Fedak, organizer of the event and Ladies Aid spokeswoman, said. "They need as much money as they can get because no child should be denied the privilege of hearing."
Jake has been tested and has severe to profound bilateral hearing loss, however, his inner ear structure appears to have a normal functioning level, Ms. Fedak said.
Jake will need a bone type of hearing aid to bypass the obstruction, sending vibrations on the mastoid bone to allow for normal development of speech his family is waiting for the hearing aid.
"Jake has everything on the inside that doctors need," Ms. Fedak said. "He needs a hearing aid and surgeries and none of it’s covered by insurance."
According to Ms. Fedak, congenital atresia affects 12 percent of children born in the United States and is characterized by hearing problems and ear deformities.
Ms. Fedak said the Election Day spaghetti supper is an annual event, but this is the first time it has raised money for a specific cause.
Ladies Aid will be serving salad, spaghetti and meatballs, bread and dessert at the all-you-can-eat fundraiser at the Reformed Church on South Fifth Avenue and Pope Street.
Admission costs $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 are admitted free.
Although registration isn’t required ahead of time, Ms. Fedak would like any people interested in attending to call 359-4388, so that the Ladies Aid can be sure they don’t come up short for food.
"As much as we would love for 200 people to just show up, it would be horrible if we only cooked for 50," Ms. Fedak said.
They are also offering take-out dinners.
Ladies Aid is also accepting donations for the family, which have has been active in the church for years.
Donations can be made with checks payable to Manville Reformed Church, with a note that it is for Jake Whitenight. Checks should be sent to: Manville Reformed Church, 235 South Sixth Avenue, Manville, NJ 08835.
On Nov. 12, the Manville Youth Athletic League be hosting a "pay-to-play" flag football game to also help the family. Players will donate $10 to join the game.
"We are hoping to get parents and kids there to watch and play," Katie Ader of MYAL said. "Ray Thompson, another coach at MYAL, and myself are organizing the event."
Ms. Ader said Mr. Whitenight coaches MYAL football, baseball and wrestling teams.
MYAL can also accept monetary donations sent to Jake Whitenight c/o MYAL, P.O. Box 114, Manville, NJ 08835.

