Baby Iggy Cusimano, pictured in his sister Zinnia’s arms, as his mother Jasmine and other sister Iris look on, was born with a heart defect, hearing loss and Down syndrome. Submitted photo

FREWSBURG — Iggy Cusimano is the joyful six-month-old son of Anthony and Jasmine Cusimano. He is younger brother to Domenic, Zinnia and Iris.

He smiles and giggles a lot and is the light of this young family’s lives. And when Iggy was diagnosed with a heart defect, hearing loss and Down syndrome shortly after birth, the Cusimano family rapidly expanded.

Friends, co-workers, schoolmates, neighbors, businesses and complete strangers have rallied around Iggy, who requires frequent visits to Buffalo-area doctors and specialists. The circle of love and support continues to grow with the “Benefit for Iggy” celebration scheduled Sunday, April 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Frewsburg American Legion Samuel Derby Post 556 at 9 Meadow Lane.

The public is welcome to attend the springtime celebration, which includes a $10 per plate spaghetti dinner that will be prepared by Iggy’s dad, who is the longtime executive chef at the Frewsburg Legion. The special meal features “Anthony’s Special Sauce” plus salad, bread and dessert.

“We are very proud to have Anthony as part of our family,” said Brandan Yeskey, Frewsburg Legion commander. “So it’s the least we could do to help out his family by hosting the benefit.”

The family-friendly event also features a Chinese auction/basket giveaway, ongoing 50-50 giveaway, a baked goods auction and music provided by a disc jockey. Money raised will help pay for services and programs beneficial to Iggy’s development.

“Our family has been really overwhelmed by the amount of support our community has given us,” said Jasmine Cusimano, Iggy’s mother and an area occupational therapist. “I never imagined it would grow to be something so large and with so many people offering to help us. We are so thankful.”

The master of ceremonies and disc jocket is provided by Afterdark. Tickets for the dinner and ongoing 50-50 giveaways, which cost $5, are available at the bar and from benefit committee members.

“Members, guests and friends are warmly welcome at this party for Iggy and his family,” said Erin Waid, chaplain of the legion auxiliary, chair of the benefit and daughter of legion President Ron Waid. “We also have some big-ticket items — a smokeless fire pit and a double chair and table Poly Furniture — that we’re not drawing for until Memorial Day.”

The basket auction grows by the day as more donations trickle in: numerous gift cards, a Vera Bradley purse, specialty foods, coffee/tea, decor, jewelry and much more will be up for grabs. There is still a need for more baskets and baked goods. Items may be dropped off at the Frewsburg Legion through 12 p.m. on the day of the event. Donors to the cause may reach out to Waid at Erine.waid13@gmail.com or 489-6373. A friend also set up a GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/iggy039s-medical-bills. All donations are appreciated.

“Benefit for Iggy” supporters include vendors US Foods and Maplevale, as well as Falconer Printing, Aks Fine Design and Marketing, Falconer Vac Shop, families of Chautauqua Thrive Homeschool Cooperative, among numerous additional organizations, businesses and individuals.

“Iggy is our ray of sunshine,” says dad Anthony Cusimano. “We want to do everything we can to help our little boy grow up healthy, loved and knowing he has a strong support system. My wife and kids are looking forward to seeing and thanking everyone on Sunday.”

The Frewsburg American Legion is always accepting new members; those interested should request an application at the bar. The legion has daily specials and members, guests and friends are welcome to the benefit dinner and to check out their Facebook page for updates about events and menus.