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The Damiano family, including three Lafayette alumni and a current student, will hold the fourth annual local fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation 7-10 p.m. today at Begley’s College Hill Tavern, 420 Cattell St.
The event will be an “evening of fun, refreshments, games, and raffles,” according to the family. “Area businesses, individuals, and organizations have generously donated valuable gifts to be raffled and auctioned at the event. All are invited to attend.”
Radio personality Stosh of FM 99.9 “The Hawk” will serve as master of ceremonies and auctioneer. Prizes donated thus far for the raffles and games include gift certificates from restaurants and shops, gift baskets, and items from Bixler’s, the Crayola Factory, Lafayette’s Alumni Affairs Office, the Imagine gift shop, and many others. A hot air balloon ride, golf outings, spa packages, a karaoke machine, and other prizes also will be awarded.
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions “to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.” Beneficiaries of this year’s event will include eight-year-old Julie from Allentown, who is currently in remission from juvenile granulosis cell cancer.
Donations of cash or gifts can be made in advance by calling Mark Damiano ’74 at (610) 438-0780. They also can be brought to Begley’s today.
Last year’s event raised more than $4,000, benefiting 14 area children. The Damianos presented a check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation during a live television phonathon in Wilkes Barre, Pa. Fulfilled wishes included trips to Disneyland, the Daytona 500, and Hawaii, as well as a swimming pool and a therapy room.
Julia Damiano ’02 founded the fundraiser in 2001, arranging for all donations in addition to organizing the event itself for two years. She graduated as a double major in art and history and received the Frederick Knecht Detwiller Prize. With Damiano now working in Italy, the event is being continued by her parents — Mark and ChristineDamiano ’02 — and sister Marisa Damiano ’04, an art major who will be the first recipient of a new art award at the Honors Convocation in April.
Christine graduated with honors in art and received the Vivian B. Noblett Prize in Studio Art. She works in the College’s alumni affairs office.
Mark’s father is Joseph N. Damiano ’50.