‘Proud To Be An American’ benefit back for third year

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As the annual “Proud To Be An American” fundraiser has grown over the last three years, its organizers have remained steadfast in their commitment to honor and aid those who have served the nation in uniform.

“All our blood, sweat and tears go into this,” said Lisa D’Ambra of Starzz Entertainment about the event, which will be held Sunday, May 17, at the West Valley Inn. “We all have that special place in our heart for our veterans.”

In its first two years, the yearly dinner-and-entertainment gathering – which D’Ambra organizes with owner Vin Palumbo of Palumbo’s Garage in Johnston, his wife Elly, and Steven Quirini of Starzz Entertainment – has raised roughly $16,000 to support the Voluntary Service Unit at the VA Medical Center in Providence.

The money helps provide for a range of needs – personal hygiene items, clothing, food, holiday gifts for children, even video gaming systems and iPads that serve a therapeutic purpose for some veterans. Support from events like “Proud To Be An American” allows the VA to assist veterans in ways it could not otherwise afford, and which can make a significant difference.

“The need is tremendous … it’s not just the veterans, it’s their families,” said Donna Russillo, chief of voluntary service at the VA Medical Center. “You never know what the needs coming in are going to be.”

The concept for “Proud To Be An American” emerged when D’Ambra and Quirini – who have done fundraising work for a range of organizations – connected with the Palumbos and bonded over their commitment to veterans. The VA Medical Center was chosen as the beneficiary of the effort due to the wide range of services it offers.

“I think it’s important that the money raised here stays here,” D’Ambra said.

The gathering has each year been held on, or near, Armed Forces Day, which this year falls on May 16.

“It’s just a really nice event,” Russillo said. “We’re very grateful … It’s a lot of work.”

Hoping to continue building on the momentum of the previous two events, D’Ambra said the organizers of “Proud To Be An American” have “upped the ante.”

After raising more than $10,000, drawing roughly 280 people and seeing such demand that another 100 tickets could have been sold for the 2014 event at the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post in Cranston, the goal for this year’s gathering is to raise $15,000. The new venue and earlier time are meant to accommodate a growing crowd, which on May 17 is expected to number at least 350 people.

“People are familiar with it, and they’re looking for it,” D’Ambra said.

“It’s been a success the last two years. We want to make it a success again this year,” Quirini said.

D’Ambra said the group has extended invitations to several dignitaries. Plans for this year’s entertainment remain in the works, and D’Ambra and Quirini said they plan to put a new twist on the festivities while again including dancing and raffles.

New aspects have also been added to this year’s overall fundraising effort. On May 11, a wine and paint event will be held at Paint & Vino at 150 Main St. in Pawtucket. Participants will enjoy a glass of wine and work on a painting of The Towers in Narragansett. The cost is $45, and the deadline to purchase tickets by calling D’Ambra at 451-5500 is May 8.

The organizers have additionally set up a page on the fundraising website GoFundMe. It can be found at www.gofundme.com/ProudToBeAmerican.

D’Ambra said for the May 17 event, three sponsorship levels are available. “Eagle” sponsors giving $1,000 will receive 10 tickets, while “Stars & Stripes” sponsors giving $500 will receive four tickets and “Star” sponsors giving $250 will receive two tickets. All sponsorships include recognition on a welcome sign at the door and at each table.

Donations in the form of financial support or raffle items are also welcome.

The third annual “Proud To Be An American” dinner and celebration will be held in the Triple Crown Room at the West Valley Inn, located at 4 Blossom St. in West Warwick, starting at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. Dinner will be served at 1:30.

Tickets are $35 per person, and must be purchased by May 9. To obtain tickets, call D’Ambra at 451-5500 or Palumbo at 413-6320.

For information on sponsorships, raffle donations or additional information, call D’Ambra.

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