PAR for Rich Center depends on help

Photo

Chris Marchionda, 21, a graduate of the Rich Center For Autism, putts as YSU football coach Eric Wolford offers advice. In rear from left are Chris Colella of First National Bank, Rick Cook of Simon Roofing, Pete Asimakopoulos of First National Bank and Jackie Marchionda, mother of Chris. The Rich Center’s annual fundraiser, PAR Golf Outing, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Photo by WILLIAM D LEWIS | THE VINDICATOR

The Paula and Anthony Rich Memorial Golf Outing (PAR), an annual two-day fundraiser to benefit the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University, will take place Aug. 24 and Aug. 27 at The Lake Club in Poland.

On Aug. 24, an evening of fine dining, an auction and entertainment for the corporate sponsors will begin at 5 p.m.

The golf outing Aug. 27 will be followed by a casual dinner. Those who don’t golf can still attend and enjoy a gourmet dinner, live auction, music, entertainment, open bar and much more. The cost is $150 per person. Send your check payable to PAR Memorial Golf Tournament, P.O. Box 831, Youngstown, OH 44501; call Marie Cullen at 330-565-9067; or email her at mdcullen999@gmail.com.

Corporate sponsors are:

• First National Bank, premier tournament sponsor.

• WKBN-TV 27, WYTV 33, MyYTV and WYFX.

• Denise and John York and the DeBartolo Corp.

• NEO Urology Associates Inc.

• Farmers National Bank.

• Humility of Mary Health Partners.

• Simon Roofing.

• A.P. O’Horo Co.

• Michael LaRocca/Wells Fargo Advisors.

• The Lake Club.

• Youngstown State University.

• Bowflex Xtreme SE.

• Donald P. Pipino Co.

• Sysco Foods of Cleveland.

• Fusillo Catering.

• Outback Steakhouse.

• Boardman Coin, Jewelry & Estate Buyers Inc.

• Franklin Pharmacy & Health Care Inc.

• Dr. Patsy Buccino.

• Superior Beverage.

• Gia Russa.

• Cleveland Browns.

• Caesars Atlantic City/Randy Spencer.

• McCamon Hunt Insurance.

• Thom Duma Fine Jewelers.

• U.S. Campus Suites.

• Komara Jewelers.

• Coventry Lighting.

• Adamas Jewelers.

• Practice Management and Billing Solutions.

• Simco Management.

• Walt Disney World Resort.

• Bodine Perry.

• Muransky Companies.

Honorary chairmen for the event are Dr. Anderson, Eric Wolford and Melinda Wolford. Event chairmen are Dominic Marchionda and Jacqueline Marchionda.

Committee members are Geri Kosar, Sonny Cascarelli, Chris Colella, Deanna Colella, Rick Cook, Julie Costas, Matt DeVicchio, Joe Esposito, Irene Buccino, Lou Fusillo, Steve Horger, Don Larcinese, Joe LaRocca, Nikki Manuel, Dan Ricchiuti, Vince Ricchiuti, Dave Rubino, Dennis Schiraldi and Marie Cullen.

The Rich Center was founded in 1995 with the memorial funds donated after the deaths of Anthony and Paula (Rubino) Rich and their unborn child. They died in the USAir Flight 427 crash outside Pittsburgh International Airport in 1994.

Anthony and Paula’s nephew Christopher is challenged by autism. Geri Kosar’s grandson Brian also was diagnosed with autism.

The Rich, Rubino and Kosar families believed that a learning and research center for those with autism would be a fitting memorial to Anthony and Paula. With the help of Dr. Cynthia Anderson, YSU president, who was then president of student affairs, the center was established.

Since the PAR Golf Outing began 15 years ago, the committee has raised nearly $800,000, all of which benefits the Rich Center. The center is funded through grants and donations, so the children are not charged tuition.