Angels to work magic for Easter Seals

Photo

The Vindicator/William D. Lewis SMILES FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Posing happily in front of a backdrop of beautiful scenery at the Lake Club in Poland, where the “Magic of the Angels Christmas” will take place Nov. 21, are those involved with the Easter Seals fundraiser. From left to right are Clarence Smith, known as “Sonny,” this year’s honorary chairman; poster child Christian Trella, 3, in the arms of Todd Franko, editor of The Vindicator; Bianca Severino, 18, a former poster child; WYTV-33 personality Stan Boney; and Bob Komara of Komara Jewelers.

POLAND — The new Lake Club in Poland will be the site of the Magic of the Angels’ Christmas on Nov. 21.

This is the 23rd holiday event to benefit Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, which serves children and adults who have disabilities and special needs.

The Angels will transform the club into an enchanted venue for an evening of gourmet dining and dancing. Todd Franko, editor of The Vindicator, will be the master of ceremonies.

The event will begin with a social hour at 6:30 p.m. and include a gourmet dinner followed by dancing to the music of Ovation. A silent auction will include decorated trees, designer pieces, gift baskets, collectors’ items and more. Special decorated trees and unique items will also be up for bids in a live auction.

Something new

A new feature at this year’s event will be Building Tomorrows, a program that assesses the needs of those with disabilities and gives everyone the opportunity to build a positive future for those who are receiving Easter Seals services.

This year’s Tomorrows program will feature the story of Bianca Severino, a former Easter Seals child, and her media friend, Stan Boney, of WYTV-33. Anyone can help Building Tomorrows by calling the Easter Seals Center at (330) 743-1168.

Special event

In a special event, tickets for $10 each will be sold for a raffle with a prize of a $1,000 Christmas shopping spree at the Eastwood Mall.

Throughout the fall, Angels have been selling raffle tickets for a stocking full of $1,000 cash, a Wii game and two decorated Christmas trees. Contact any Angel to buy a book of raffle tickets or call the Easter Seals Center. The cost of a book of six raffle tickets is $5. The winner need not be present for the drawings. Raffle tickets will also be sold the night of the event.

Honorary chairman of the event is Clarence R. (Sonny) Smith. When the Angels were planning the first “Magic” 23 years ago, one of the first people contacted was Sonny, who graciously consented to be a major sponsor, or “Golden Santa.” Sonny and his wife, Rose Marie, have been Golden Santas ever since.

Susan Berny is chairwoman, and Susan Stoy and Janet Murray are co-chairwomen, assisted by all the Angels. Phyllis Bacon is president of the Angels.

How to help

Anyone who wants to support this event may do so by joining the Angels in decorating the Children’s Magical Tree. A $25 donation purchases an ornament for the tree.

The Angels still are accepting donations; call the Easter Seals Center the above number. One-hundred percent of the money donated by the Angels benefits the local Easter Seals chapter.