Channel 3 is partnering with LaVilla Event Center and Clear Channel Media & Entertainment to host a community benefit "Call to Courage" on Thursday May 23rd from 5:30 to 9 pm to assist Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry and Michelle Knight. Money raised will go to the Cleveland Courage Fund thru The Cleveland Foundation.LaVilla Event Center at 11500 Brookpark Road is graciously donating their facility and services for the benefit and Party 411 Events is helping to plan the evening’s events. Music will be provided by singer and pianist Mike Petrone and Monica Robins and the Ninja Cowboys, playing a mix of rock, 80's and country. Local singer/songwriter Ashley Nemeh will also perform a song written specifically to honor these three young women.
Area restaurants will be donating their time and talents cooking up some of Cleveland's favorites. Get a taste of the best Cleveland has to offer from Johnny's, Georgetown, Triv's, and numerous others. Tickets can be purchased at the door. General admission is $20 and includes heavy appetizers and soft drinks. A cash bar with wine and beer will also be available and general and valet parking is free.
Dozens of area businesses are donating items for a silent auction and raffle with numerous prizes including concert tickets and meet and greets for Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Luke Bryan and Rascal Flats. Autographed guitars by Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and STAIND will be up for grabs. Kyrie Irving is also donating a signed basketball, jersey and hat. Dozens of donations are still coming in for both the silent auction and the raffle.
"Call to Courage" will be hosted by WKYC's Robin Swoboda and WTAM's Bill Wills and guests will also have the chance to meet some of their favorite radio and television personalities including WKYC’s Russ Mitchell, Betsy Kling and Jim Donovan, WGAR’s Brian & LeeAnn, Rover and Duji from WMMS and WMJI’s Mark Nolan.
"People across the community and the nation have been touched by this story, this miracle", said Rita Andolsen, WKYC Director of Advocacy & Community Initiatives. "We decided to host this event to give the community a chance to celebrate the courage of Amanda, Gina and Michelle and to give people a way to show their support".
For more information call 216 514-8411 or email Rita Andolsen at randolsen@wkyc.com.
