Memorial golf tournament will benefit Rich Center

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Participating in the annual PAR golf tournament are, from left, Dominic Marchionda, event chairman; Jacqueline Marchionda, event chairwoman; Christopher Marchionda, Ed Muransky, and Chris Muransky, honorary chairmen; and Ryan Allison, WYTV sports director.

Staff report

POLAND

The Paula and Anthony Rich Memorial Golf Tournament will return to The Lake Club in Poland on Sept. 5 and 8.

The two-day fundraiser benefits The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University.

Sept. 5 will bring an evening of fine dining, an auction and entertainment for corporate sponsors beginning at 5 p.m.

The event is open to nongolfers as well. They can buy tickets by contacting Bergen Giordani, Rich Center events coordinator, at blgiordani@ysu.edu or 330-941-2047.

The golf tournament on Sept. 8 will begin with a shotgun start at noon, followed by a casual dinner.

A limited number of foursomes and sponsorships are still available; contact Giordani.

Event chairmen are Dominic and Jackie Marchionda.

This year’s honorary chairmen are Ed and Chris Muransky and Christopher Marchionda.

Committee members follow: Irene Buccino, Sonny Cascarelli, Deanna Colella, Rick Cook, Julie Costas, Joe Esposito, Lou Fusillo, Barbara Hierro, Geri Kosar, Joe LaRocca, Nikki Manual, Anthony Marchionda, Dominic C. Marchionda, Mary Ann Carano-Martinko, Diana McDonald, Dan Ricchiuti, Vince Ricchiutti, Dave Rubino and Dennis Schiraldi.

The Rich Center was founded in 1995 with memorial funds donated after the deaths of Anthony and Paula (Rubino) Rich and their unborn child.

They died in 1994 in the USAir Flight 427 crash near Pittsburgh.

The couple’s nephew Christopher is challenged by autism. 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.

Thanks in part to such events as the PAR golf tournament, The Rich Center provides year-round therapy, education and support at no cost to the families that attend.