HAMBURG, N.Y. — The passing of 11-year-old Luca Calanni shook his hometown of Hamburg. The ambitious, passionate young elementary student died from complications of the flu on January 11.
In the midst of this tragedy, Western New York businesses have come together to support his family and remember Luca, who has been remembered for his enthusiasm and bright personality.
Amsdell Ice Cream, at 3041 Amsdell Road in the town of Hamburg, has expressed its support for the Calanni family on its Facebook page. In honor of Luca, Amsdell announced it will be holding a pop-up event on Saturday, February 1 from noon to 4 p.m.
The ice cream shop will be selling ice cream with an "orange flare" during that time, as orange was Luca's favorite color. Car decals and wristbands will also be available in exchange for a donation. Proceeds and donations will go toward the Luca S. Calanni Foundation.
Luca's mother, Ashley Calanni, told 2 On Your Side that the foundation will help keep her son's memory alive and will help children cross things off their bucket lists.
Additionally, two Hamburg-area Tim Hortons locations will be selling the "Luca" doughnut, an orange-topped offering, until Sunday, January 26. The doughnut is available all day for $1.19, and all proceeds go to the foundation.
You can get the "Luca" donut at both the 5035 Southwestern Boulevard and the 4066 Lake Shore Road Tim Hortons locations.
More than a dozen other businesses are also raising money for the foundation:
From now until February 16, Bangs salon in Hamburg will sell orange hair extensions for $5 each.
And our four-legged friends are giving back as well ... kind of. The Village Veterinary Clinic of Hamburg is collecting donations until February 10.
The generosity doesn't stop there.
Frontier Central Schools is asking everyone to come out and wear orange for Luca at a JV basketball game at noon Saturday against West Seneca. The varsity teams follow at 1:30 p.m., when there will be a moment of silence.
Individual donations can also be sent to the "Luca S. Calanni Foundation" c/o Summit Wealth Management Inc. at 35 East Main St., Fredonia, NY 14063.