PORTSMOUTH — The Aquidneck Island community gathered Tuesday evening at Green Valley Country Club to support two local teens whose lives were forever changed by a tragic building collapse last month.
The “Portsmouth Strong” dinner, hosted by the Four Hearts Foundation and sponsored by Green Valley Country Club and Little Rhody Pasta, raised more than $35,000 for Kelly Nevitt and Aaron Delgado. The 15-year-old Nevitt died and 17-year-old Delgado was critically injured when a concrete landing collapsed at the Portuguese American Citizens Club on June 7 during a graduation party.
“We learned that Aaron wanted a high heel prosthetic to wear to prom. That’s not something you can hear and not do something about,” said Kateri Buerman, founder of the Four Hearts Foundation. “We are so honored to be involved in this fundraiser and it was so heartwarming to see the community come together for Aaron and Kelly.”
Delgado remains hospitalized at Rhode Island Hospital, where she faces extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care following what organizers described as “life-altering injuries.”
Proceeds from the dinner will support Nevitt’s legacy through a scholarship at Newport Children’s Theater and help fund Delgado’s recovery, including specialized prosthetics that can cost between $15,000 and $30,000 each and require replacement every three to five years.
Heather Abbott, a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. Abbott, who lost her left leg in the terrorist attack, shared her recovery journey and highlighted the financial challenges of obtaining advanced prosthetics.
“Insurance often only covers basic prosthetics,” Abbott told attendees, explaining that more advanced models like high-heel or water-friendly prosthetics come with significant out-of-pocket costs.
The evening featured performances by Portsmouth High School students who sang a medley in honor of both teens, while a color guard performed as guests arrived.
“The emotions were high but the love was tangible in the room,” Buerman said. “Nights like these remind how special it is to live in a small town, and we are so grateful for the support.”
The fundraising effort extends beyond Tuesday’s dinner. Community members have reached out offering wheelchairs, medical equipment and other support for the families.
“We’ve had people reach out offering wheelchairs, aids, and support. The love and support from our island community has been incredible,” Buerman said. “It’s crucial for Aaron and Kelly’s family to know they are not alone in this journey. We are Portsmouth Strong, for them.”
Donations can still be made by emailing fourheartsfoundation4@gmail.com or visiting www.givebutter.com/portsmouthstrong.
The June 7 collapse occurred when the concrete landing above the front stairwell at the Portuguese American Citizens Club detached from the building, trapping both teens underneath the debris.
(Photos provided by The Four Hearts Foundation)
