Show to benefit Rich Center

Entertainment will feature an energy-packed tribute to celebrities.

BOARDMAN — “Autistically Speaking” is the theme for the fourth annual variety show to be presented by the Rich Center for Autism on March 7 at Mr. Anthony’s, 7440 South Ave., as a fundraiser for the center.

The event will be in the form of a dinner/show and will include basket raffles and a live auction. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and a highlight of the evening will be the production of “An Evening With the Stars” at 8 p.m., featuring Denise and Lisa Naples, who will present a tribute to a variety of celebrities with their energy-packed impersonations of such entertainers as Cher, Ike and Tina Turner, the Sinatras, the Blues Brothers, and Janet and Michael Jackson.

Co-founder remembered

The event is largely produced by the parent group, P.A.L.S. (Parents of Autistically Learning Students) at the center and is dedicated to the memory of Pat Padula, a performer and show-business producer for over 40 years who died in September 2007. Four years ago, Padula and his daughter, Jenny Ellis, introduced the idea of the dinner/show fundraiser as a means of helping the center and his grandson, Carson, a student there.

The cost for the entire evening is $50 per person. A table for eight can be reserved for $400. Corporate tables are available for $500 and will prominently display a company or family name at the table and list the donor on a placard. For additional information call the center at (330) 941-2047.