‘Magic of the Angels’ event will make Christmas sparkle

Photo

William D. Lewis | The Vindicator: Easter Seals poster children Lily DeMarco, 4, and Cameron Shull, 8, along with committee members, from left, Susan Rupert, Stan Boney and Carol O’Neill, work to prepare for “Magic of the Angels’ Christmas,” an annual fundraiser.

BOARDMAN

This year is the 25th anniversary of the holiday event that helps support Easter Seals. The “Magic of the Angels’ Christmas” festivities will begin at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Mr. Anthony’s.

This annual holiday gala benefits Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties and Youngstown Speech and Hearing, which serve those of our community who have disabilities and special needs.

The evening at Mr. Anthony’s will feature gourmet dining and dancing to the music of Top Shelf Band. Stan Boney, news anchor of WYTV-33, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Among the highlights of the event will be a live auction featuring a children’s raffle tree; two tickets to the Nanette Lepore show during fashion week in New York City; a vintage Christmas tree; golf clubs; bags and rounds of golf for four; trip for four to Hershey, Pa.; one-week family vacation to Lake Erie; Christmas tea table with china; children’s party at a Youngstown firehouse; dinner for eight with a limousine; and a designer doghouse. A special aspect of the live auction is Building Tomorrows, which includes several ways to donate to physical therapy programs.

Another special element is the donation of a $1,000 scholarship to Youngstown State University by its president, Dr. Cynthia Anderson, and Brian Williams.

The winner need not be present, and the scholarship can be transferred. Tickets, at $10 each, are on sale at Mahoning Valley Vacuums, 7178 West Blvd.; Casesse’s MVR, 410 N. Walnut St., Youngstown; Adamas Jewelry and Gifts, 8391 Market St.; Suzanne’s at Presidential Square, 813 Boardman-Poland Road; and Easter Seals Center, 299 Edwards St., Youngstown. Tickets also will be sold at the door.

Raffle tickets also are being sold for such prizes as $1,000 cash, a flat-screen TV and two decorated Christmas trees. To buy a book of raffle tickets, which cost $5 for a book of six, call the Easter Seals Center at 330-599-5568 or any Angels member. Tickets will be sold the night of the raffle, and the winner need not be present.

The committee is accepting donations. Call the Easter Seals Center for details.

For the Children’s Magical Tree, a $25 donation buys an ornament for the tree that is part of the live auction. A silent auction will feature holiday and designer items.

Corporate sponsors follow: Golden Santas are Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Rupert; Silver Santas are George A. Mitchell Co., Nanette Lepore, Mr. and Mrs. William DeToro, Mr. and Mrs. James Leetch and Boardman Rotary Club. Bronze Santas are City National Bank Grant Charitable Dist., Dr. Cynthia Anderson and Brian Williams, Mike and Janet Murray of W.W. Grainger Inc., Frances Schermer and Lillian Schermer Charitable Trusts, Zita and Joseph DiYorio Charitable Foundation, Dominion East Ohio, RTI International Metals Inc. and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 213.

Susan Rupert is the chairwoman, assisted by the Angels of Easter Seals. Carol O’Neill is Angels president for 2011-2012.