Friday, June 17, 2016
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Guests at the Austintown Senior Center on May 22 for the Carmela Lippiello Jones Benefit Dinner had the opportunity to enter a 50/50 raffle to win prizes.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Prizes were donated to the benefit dinner on May 22 at the Austintown Senior Center for Carmela Lippiello Jones. The items were used for a silent auction, a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Carmela Lippiello Jones is pictured with her best friend, Patricia Crane, at the Benefit Dinner at the Austintown Senior Center on May 22.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
The Austintown community came together to organize a benefit dinner for Carmela Lipiello Jones on May 22 at the Austintown Senior Center.
Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2004. The benefit dinner was created to raise money to help Jones with her medical and everyday living costs. All of the proceeds earned will be given to her to use for whatever she needs.
Patricia Cranes, the coordinator of the dinner and Jones’ best friend, said when she got the word out many of her friends and classmates were more than willing to help with what needed done. Planning for the benefit dinner began at the end of March.
“Carmela has been my best friend since we were 12-years-old,” said Cranes.
Jones is the sole income of her family and with her diagnoses she is unable to bring in enough money for medical bills and other living expenses. The money raised at the dinner will benefit Jones and her son in a tremendous way.
The guests could take part in a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. All of the prizes were donated by friends, family and other guests and the food was provided by an anonymous donor. Guests had the option of staying in to eat or choosing carry-out.
In addition to the benefit dinner, a GoFundMe account has been set up for Jones and The Carmela Jones Fund has been set up at First National Bank for people to make donations.