Rich memorial tournament will help fund autism center

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Some of those helping with PAR, a golf tournament fundraiser to benefit the Rich Center for Autism, are, from left, Nico Marchionda; Dominic Marchionda, co-chairman; Christopher Marchionda, honorary chairman; Jackie Marchionda, co-chairman; Bo Pelini, honorary chairman and YSU football coach; Rick Cook, executive vice president of Simon Roofing; Chris Muransky, honorary chairman; and Ed Muransky, honorary chairman.

Staff report

POLAND

The Paula and Anthony Rich Memorial Golf Tournament, an annual two-day fundraiser that benefits the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University, will take place Aug. 28 and 31 at the Lake Club, 1140 Paulin Road.

An evening of fine dining, an auction and entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 28 for corporate sponsors. The evening also is open to nongolfers.

The golf tournament Aug. 31 will begin with a shotgun start at noon followed by a casual dinner. Some four-person teams and sponsorships are still available.

For dinner tickets and availability of golf foursomes and sponsorships, contact Bergen Giordani, Rich Center development director, at blgiordani@ysu.edu, 724-510-1899 or 330-941-2047.

Dominic and Jackie Marchionda are PAR chairmen. Serving as honorary chairmen are Ed and Chris Muransky, Bo and Mary Pat Pelini and Christopher Marchionda.

Committee members are Susan Berny, Irene Buccino, Sonny Cascarelli, Viive Clayton, Deanna Marchionda, Rick Cook, Julie Costas, Noelle Domer, Joe Esposito, Lou Fusillo, Barbara Hierro, Geri Kosar, Joe LaRocca, Nikki Manual, Diana McDonald, Dominic C. Marchionda, Learose Moody, Carol Potter, Mary Ann Carano-Martinko, Diana McDonald, Dave Rubino, Dennis Schiraldi, JoAnn Sicafuse, Harry Steele and Sue Trebilcock.

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

The couple’s nephew, Christopher, and Geri Kosar’s grandson, Brian, are diagnosed with autism.

The Rich, Rubino and Kosar families decided that a learning and research center for those with autism would be a fitting memorial to Anthony and Paula.

In part because of events such as the PAR golf outing, The Rich Center provides year-round therapy, education and support at no cost to families.