I think most have heard the tragic story of the terrible car accident that claimed the life of 11-yr-old Joey Balistreri.
The family was headed home from a soccer game when a vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 13 crossed the center median and vaulted into the eastbound lane. The other vehicle was being driven by a 27-yr-old woman, who was believed to be intoxiated (she has not yet be charged). The accident claimed the life... of Joey and injured several members of his family who were also in the vehicle, one being Joey's father, Geoff, who was seriously injured and had to be air-lifted to North Memorial Medical Center. If you google Joey's name, you'll see a number of articles/stories about the tragedy, about the family, and about who this remarkable boy was ... who was taken way too soon.
Approximately one month ago, the family released this statement:
"These are sad days but the healing has begun. Geoff is out of intensive care and Rob is now home from Afghanistan. While there is certainly great sadness with Joey's tragic death, we also have seen goodness that gives us hope to continue to move forward. We love Joey greatly and treasure many wonderful memories. He is greatly missed. We ask for everyone's continued thoughts and prayers. Life and family are precious gifts. Again we ask everyone to give their kids an extra hug tonight."
About the benefit:
"COME HAVE A GREAT TIME FOR A GREAT CAUSE!"
KIDS ARE WELCOME
This event is open to the public, so please pass the word. The doors will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. with a requested $10.00 donation upon entrance.
So far this event is shaping up to be quite extraordinary!
LIVE MUSIC:
8 FOOT 4
www.8foot4live.com
DSyde THE BAND
www.youtube.com/user/DSydeTheBand
www.phosrecords.com
and
OVATION
www.ovationmusicgroup.com
WE WILL BE HOLDING A SILENT AUCTION: We have a number of AWESOME items that have already been donated for this; however we are asking for more. We're looking for items that can be assembled into "baskets." Google "silent auction basket ideas" for ideas on what you can donate. We'll take anything! Please contact one of us below if you have any questions about the silent auction.
A benefit fund has been opened at TCF Bank to help with set-up costs for this benefit. If you are willing and able to make a donation to help us kick this off and make it great, please visit any TCF Bank location and make your donation to, "Joey Balistreri Benefit Fund (Benefit #198)." You may also mail your donation to any TCF branch location, payable to the above named fund. If you do not have access to a TCF Bank location for any reason and wish to make a wire transfer donation to the fund, please contact Jason Zarza, Jodie Clark, or Jessi Haase below and we will give you the information and direction on how to make that donation.
More details to follow ... please stay tuned ... and INVITE ALL OF YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS!
ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE BALISTRERI FAMILY
Contacts:
Jason Zarza: jayzarza@aol.com
Jodie Clark: jodieclark16@gmail.com
Jessi Haase: jealja75@gmail.comSee More
Age limit: All ages