Valley natives organize NYC epilepsy fundraiser

NEW YORK — Organizers of a gala fundraising event to take place in New York City are from the Mahoning Valley.

Peter A. Proctor and Sheri E. Ragland-Proctor organized the Importance of One Epilepsy Gala/Fundraiser to raise money to further epilepsy research and to increase knowledge and tolerance of the disorder.

Proctor, born in Salem, attended the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, but ultimately chose a career in nursing. After attending the Choffin School of Practical Nursing in Youngstown, he found work as an administrative nurse for two neurologists specializing in epilepsy.

Ragland-Proctor graduated from Ursuline High School in Youngstown. She went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree at Kent State University and a master’s at Columbia University.

The event, which will take place Nov. 7 at the National Track and Field Armory, includes others from the area. The gala will open with a reunion of the Oliver Sisters, four sisters born and raised in the area. Deidre Aey of Snapshots will design the awards for the honorees. New Castle resident Vaughn Hudspath will act as master of ceremonies.

Olympic Hockey Team goalie Chanda Gunn, New York Jets guard Alan Faneca, and Florence Griffith Joyner (posthumously) will be honored at the event. Fantasia Barrino , season three American Idol winner, Grammy nominated R&B singer and Broadway star, will perform.