Local politicians will perform in Rich Center variety show

Photo

The Vindicator/Geoffrey Hauschild

ON WITH THE SHOW: From left, Marla Carano; Phyllis Ricchiuti; Tricia Perry; Patricia Machuga; Jenny Ellis; Annemarie Brogan; Ellie Brogan, 5; and Ken Carano gathered at the Rich Center for Autism recently to plan the upcoming 5th Annual Variety Show. Local politicians have stepped up to help the show’s organizers, Parents of Autistically Learning Students, by agreeing to perform in the show.

YOUNGSTOWN — Parents of Autistically Learning Students at the Rich Center for Autism are organizing the 5th Annual Variety Show, which will take place April 3 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman.

Tickets for the show are $50 per person, and there will be a cash bar. Dinner and auction viewing will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the entertainment begins at 8.

This year, the entertainment takes a new twist that promises to be a lot of fun. Mahoning Valley elected officials have agreed to donate time to perform in the variety show. They will entertain the crowd by sharing their “talents” outside the political arena. The cast includes:

•U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan and Charlie Wilson

•Mahoning County commissioners John McNally, Anthony Traficanti and Dave Ludt

•Mahoning County Auditor Mike Sciortino

•Warren Mayor Michael O’Brien

•Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams

•State Reps. Tom Letson, Sandra Harwood, Bob Hagan, Linda Bolon, and Ron Gerberry

•State Sen. Joe Schiavoni

•Former state Sen. Harry Meshel

•Rich Center students.

For tickets, contact Tricia Perry, co-chair, at (330) 941-1927, ext. 2047.

Every year, P.A.L.S. organizes the variety show, featuring regional talent, as a fundraiser for the center. Proceeds from the event will support programs that help children living with autism achieve their best.

The group has raised as much as $20,000 each year.