Rich Center will wine and dine donors at Napa/Mahoning event

Photo

From left to right are Dan Memo, Geri Kosar, Brian Forward and John Beato, committee members for the Napa Valley to the Mahoning Valley fundraiser to benefit the Rich Center for Autism. The fundraiser will take place Nov. 9 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall. PHOTO BY: MADELYN P. HASTINGS | THE VINDICATOR

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University invites all to attend the Napa Valley to the Mahoning Valley fundraising event Nov. 9, sponsored by PNC Bank.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel, and all proceeds will benefit the center.

The Toast of the Valley Award, to be presented to Dr. Cynthia Anderson, YSU president, will highlight the evening.

Guests of the event will take part in a tasting of local wines as winemakers display and offer several of their best homemade varieties.

Fusillo Catering will serve hors d’oeuvres and desserts, paired with wines from Superior Beverage Group. YSU Jazz Trio will entertain.

Master of ceremonies will be Todd Franko, editor of The Vindicator. Evening activities will include live and silent auctions, raffles and a gift card tree with prizes totaling up to $100. Auction items include fine jewelry from Aebischer’s in Poland, wine baskets, a firehouse lunch tour for 12 hosted by Youngstown Fire Chief John J. O’Neill Jr., and pieces of fine American art.

All proceeds from the evening benefit the Rich Center. Autism is a neurological disorder affecting one in 88 births. Although there is no cure, early intervention and specialized treatment can reduce the need for lifelong care. The Rich Center, established in 1995, provides that treatment for children with autism and provides support for their families.

The Rich Center charges no family tuition. Grants, donations, direct appeals and events raise the funds needed for the programs. Fundraising events throughout the year include Mardi Gras at The Georgetown, Touch a Truck, Pieces of Hope Cookie Sale, The PAR Memorial Golf Outing and the Art of Autism, an art show and sale in Warren sponsored by the Mauro DiVieste family.