‘Proud To Be American’ raises thousands for VA Medical Center

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Celebrating another successful fundraising effort to support local veterans, the organizers of the third annual “Proud To Be An American” event recently visited the Providence VA Medical Center to present a donation of more than $7,000.

“It’s amazing, your passion,” Dr. Susan MacKenzie, the center’s director, told the event’s organizers – Starzz Entertainment’s Lisa D’Ambra and Steven Quirini, owner Vin Palumbo of Palumbo’s Garage in Johnston, and his wife, Elly Palumbo. “There’s no way to thank you for all your time and effort and dedication.”

“We really appreciate what you do,” Donna Russillo, chief of voluntary service at the center, told the organizers.

Presented by Stazz, “Proud To Be An American,” serves to support the VA Medical Center’s Voluntary Service program. Such donations help the center provide for those who have worn the uniform and their families in ways it could not otherwise afford – personal hygiene items, clothing, food, holiday gifts for children, special programs and trips, even video gaming systems and iPads that serve a therapeutic purpose for some veterans.

The idea for the annual event came when D’Ambra and Quirini – who have done fundraising work for a range of local organizations through Starzz – connected with the Palumbos and bonded over their commitment to veterans. The VA Medical Center was chosen as the beneficiary due to the wide range of services provided through the facility.

In its first two years, the event – which is held on, or near, Armed Forces Day – raised roughly $16,000 toward the cause. This year’s gathering, held May 17 at the West Valley Inn, added $7,260 to that total.

“It’s important, because the money stays right here in Rhode Island,” D’Ambra said. “It was an honor to do this again.”

“It’s always work, but it is worth it in the end … I love to see [the veterans] smile,” Vin Palumbo said.

Quirini, Tony Soares, Greg Laboss and R&J Revue provided entertainment during this year’s event, with TNY Entertainment providing DJ services. David DiLorenzo performed the national anthem, and raffles were held.

The organizers thanked a litany of volunteers, sponsors and donors, with special appreciation for Godiva Chocolates for its continued support and for the wait staff and bartenders at the West Valley Inn. Those recognized include:

Volunteers: Marion Card, Jeffrey D’Ambra, Maria Manzi, Missy Palumbo, Marilyn Parrillo, Angela Pennacchinni, Peter Saccoccio, Zack Ung

Stars & Stripes sponsors: Construction Industries of Rhode Island, D’Ambra Construction Co. Inc., Kiselica Law Firm

Star sponsors: Boydco, Cosco Fencing & Guardrail, Equality Construction Works LLC, Liddell Brothers Inc., MON Landscaping Inc., RI Trucking Association, Sanco Inc., Warwick Winwater Works

Contributors: Abbott Properties, Anthony’s Image, Arrest A Pest, Atwood Auto Repair Inc., Donald Bianco, James Burns, Briarcliff Manor, C&L Builders, Country Music Association of Rhode Island, Assunta D’Ambra, Exclusive Auto Body Inc., Frank E. Clynes Inc., Forms Plus, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Friel, Sandy Hitik, Mark E. McKiernan, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Greco, Mr. and Mrs. Couillard, Grasso’s Service Center, LaFazia Auto Body, NE Steel Guitar Association, Ms. Vivian J. Pezza, Pioneer Heavy Duty Parts, Upper Pond Realty 1 LLC

Raffle donors: 1149 Restaurant, Anyplace Travel, Atwood Wine & Spirits, Benny’s, Bistro 22, Bob Fontaine Photography, Bonefish Grille, Borrelli’s Bakery, Capriccio, Chapel Grille, Chili’s, China Dynasty, China Jade, Del’s Lemonade, European Skin Care by Jeanne, Fat Belly’s, LA Cleaning Services, Nino’s, Not Your Average Joe’s, Ralph’s Catering, Shaw’s, Sports and More, Tasca Automotive, The Jewelry Center, The Original Italian Bakery, Trinity Repertory Company, WB Mason

The fourth “Proud To Be An American” dinner-and-entertainment fundraiser is already in the works, and is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post in Cranston.

Tickets are $35.

“We’ve jumped into next year already,” D’Ambra said.

For more information, visit starzzentertainment.com or “like” Starzz on Facebook.

Those interested in volunteering through the VA Medical Center’s Voluntary Service program may contact Russillo at 401-273-7100, ext. 2023, or Debra Veasey, program assistant, at 401-273-7100, ext. 3002.

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