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A New Year's Eve party at XO Private Functions and Social Lounge in Wayne will raise money for the Marcus Ruta Scholarship Fund. Ruta was killed nearly five years ago while riding in an SUV driven by a fellow Hawthorne man that crashed into a freight train in Franklin Lakes.
Paul Guarnieri -- who operates the scholarship fund along with his brother, Angelo, and friend Frank Petruccelli -- said they needed a bigger venue for the event after interest in the cause grew.
They used to hold block parties in the summer to raise money for it, and once held another New Year's event in 2013.
"We know that New Year's Eve can get a little crazy," Guarnieri told Daily Voice. "Everyone always has their own plans or tries to scramble up plans at the last minute. We thought what better way to bring the community together than to have everyone come to the same event."
The Dec. 31 party features a four-hour open bar, buffet and a safe ride to and from the venue. Tickets are $85 for general admission and $105 with transportation included.
Guarnieri said he's hoping for 200 or so guests.
Ruta graduated from Hawthorne High School in 2008. He played for the school's wrestling and football teams.
He had a way of befriending anyone, Guarneri said.
"Despite the fact that there were so many cliques in high school, he interacted and was friendly with everybody," he said.
The scholarship committee looks for the same qualities when selecting students, Guarnieri said.
Two students each year receive a $500 scholarship in Ruta's name, an amount Guarnieri said they hope to increase.
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