Enjoy Bocce with the Brothers for the benefit of the Capuchin ministries
March ushers in several popular events.
For the Irish and those wishing they were Irish, there is St. Patrick’s Day; and for those who love bocce and pasta, and everyone else who loves a good cause, there’s Bocce with the Brothers.
This year’s celebration will be held March 24 at Villa Penna in Sterling Heights.
All proceeds from the beloved event go to the community of Capuchin friars in Detroit, who live to serve people in need through their work at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Solanus Center, to name a few programs. The annual event was started by Michael Schodowski, president of Shelving.com, a second-generation family-owned provider of corporate and consumer shelving and storage solutions.
“Our team at Shelving. com greatly values the partnership we have developed with Capuchin Ministries over the past 11 years, and it’s truly an honor to give back to this nonprofit that is so near and dear to our hearts,” Schodowski said in a news release
One of the main courses for the evening is a round of bocce (pronounced baaCHEE), an ancient game that’s played with eight weighted balls aimed at a smaller white ball, or pallino, as the Italian originators of the game call it. Players earn points by rolling their ball closest to the pallino. What makes this portion of the evening special is there’s always a few friars who join in the fun.
“We at Capuchin Ministries are extremely thankful for the efforts of Shelving.com
and the volunteers who organize the Bocce with the Brothers fundraiser every year,” said Fr. Mark Joseph Costello of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph. “The support of our local community means everything to our Ministries, and we are looking forward to sharing the good news of our organization and raising funds for individuals who need it most.”
What began as a small affair has grown into a major fundraiser featuring a night filled with entertainment and a buffet dinner topped by desserts from the Rise Bakery Café, one of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen programs.
Besides the friendly games of bocce going on, live entertainment will include the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Choir, accordionist Joe Recchia and youth singers Isaac Murray and Dominic Arkensberg, pianist Noelle Borgia and speed painter Dave Santia, who has to be seen live
to fully appreciate his talents as an artist. Guests will also be able to purchase some of his original works of art and try their luck in the silent auction featuring a one-week trip for two to Florida’s Lauderdale-ByThe-Sea.
This year’s edition will also include special guest appearances by Louis Vanaria, the actor and singer known for his roles in “The Irishman,” and “A Bronx Tale” and Aaron Caruso, operatic and crossover singer.
Late night guests can also enjoy an afterglow party, featuring a live band performance and appetizers.
Tickets to the event are $75 per person. That includes dinner, beer and wine. However, tickets must be purchased in advance and now include reserved seating.
Doors and bocce courts open at 5:30 p.m.
Sponsorship and program advertising opportunities are still available for
$575 and up. Program advertisements are $75-$250. To view the event sponsorship form visit boccewiththebrothers.org/sponsors/
Tickets, sponsorships and program advertisements are payable to Capuchin Ministries and can be purchased online or by contacting Kristen Wilkins directly at kwilkins@thecapuchins.org or 313-9392001.
“We deeply believe in the importance of a strong and connected community at Shelving.com, and the Bocce with the Brothers fundraiser gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate together while supporting a phenomenal local cause and learning more about the Capuchin brothers’ mission, programs and the individuals they assist,” Schodowski said.
Villa Penna Banquet is at 43985 Hayes Rd, in Sterling Heights.
For more information visit shelving.com/bocces/3221.htm