From the Mind of Jason Zandri

As published in the Record Journal Monday September 7, 2009

By Richie Rathsack
Record-Journal staff
rrathsack@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2227

WALLINGFORD — Marissa Adinolfi sat in her wheelchair among the audi­ence tables, beaming as singer Rich Di Palma walked among the flashing lights of the dance floor at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn Sunday to sing her a song.

The performance was part of the 13th annual Labor Day Party for a Cure in support of the Muscular Dystrophy As­sociation. Despite early con­cerns that the economy might hurt donations and at­tendance, organizer Jim Zandri was happy with the nearly 300 people who turned out for the event.

“Despite the economy, nothing’s changed. I think we’re going to top last year,” Zandri said as people began making their way onto the dance floor.

He said there were just as many people, if not more, than in previous years, and more donations for the silent auction. He and co-host John Sullivan gave play-by-play throughout dinner on the sta­tus of items such as a heli­copter ride, a dinner at the Fire Department, sports memorabilia and tools.

Marissa Adinolfi and her brother, Michael, have Friedreich’s ataxia, a disease recognized by the MDA for research funding. Their mother, Mary Ann Adinolfi, said she can’t believe all the people who come out to show support for the cause.

“It’s breathtaking. I’m at a loss for words to describe all the wonderful people here,” she said.

Last year the event raised $33,620 for the cause, money that MDA Funding Coordina­tor Jennifer Ksiazek said will stay in the state to help the 1,800 served by the MDA. She said if all goes well, this year the party could hit the $250,000 mark in funding since it began in 1997.

Though in its 13th year, the party is still attracting new people, such as Rita Guiel of Meriden. She had heard about the party but usually had to work when it was going on.

“It’s great. Next year we’re going to bring a lot more peo­ple with us,” Guiel said. “I like to support causes like this and the party is a lot of fun.”

After a buffet dinner, the lights went down the music went up. The evening started with a slow song, but soon got rocking with Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” The lights started flashing and peo­ple began pouring onto the dance floor.

Throughout the evening Zandri took the time to recog­nize businesses, organizations and people that have made huge donations to the cause. The staff of the Stillwood, who donated their time, received a standing ovation as Zandri called them to the front of the dining hall for recognition.

Money was raised through the $45 tickets for the party, through donations from groups, and during several op­portunities at the party.

Zandri said a minute of re­search costs roughly $85. Tom Dacey of Wallingford was holding $90 in cash he raised from his table in his hand to sponsor a minute.

Firefighters from Walling­ford and East Haven sat at the rear of the table waiting to present checks to the cause as well. They didn’t escape the notice of Luann Leclerc, how­ever, who soon challenged them to get up on the dance floor to do the chicken dance if volunteers could raise $100 by going through the crowd with a bucket.

The bucket contained $268 after it went through, prompt­ing Zandri to join the firefight­ers in the dance because of all the extra money.

Later in the evening, WTIC­TV cut to a live broadcast of the party as part of the local feed from the Jerry Lewis La­bor Day telethon, which also supports the MDA.

There are still a few seats remaining – if you’re still looking to go to the fund raiser please call ahead to the Stillwood to make sure the last of the seats have not sold out.

Story from the Record Journal – Stillwood Inn set to host Party for a Cure

WALLINGFORD— The annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association’s La­bor Day Telethon will take place from 5:30 p.m. to mid­night Sept. 6 at Zandri’s Still­wood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Road.

The donation is $45 per per­son and will include a buffet dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with an open bar from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event will also feature dancing, entertain­ment and a silent auction.

Reservations are required.

For information or a reserva­tion, call (203) 269-6695.

Story from the Record Journal – Stillwood Inn set to host Party for a Cure

WALLINGFORD— The annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association’s La­bor Day Telethon will take place from 5:30 p.m. to mid­night Sept. 6 at Zandri’s Still­wood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Road.

The donation is $45 per per­son and will include a buffet dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with an open bar from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event will also feature dancing, entertain­ment and a silent auction.

Reservations are required.

For information or a reserva­tion, call (203) 269-6695.

Story from the Record Journal – Stillwood Inn set to host Party for a Cure

WALLINGFORD— The annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association’s La­bor Day Telethon will take place from 5:30 p.m. to mid­night Sept. 6 at Zandri’s Still­wood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Road.

The donation is $45 per per­son and will include a buffet dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with an open bar from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event will also feature dancing, entertain­ment and a silent auction.

Reservations are required.

For information or a reserva­tion, call (203) 269-6695.