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Benefit variety show a labor of love for organizers

By Sarah M. Corigliano

Assistant Managing Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW What began as a simple idea has become an event that will benefit a deserving family and bring a dazzling finale to a town summer tradition.

For the last 20 years the Rotary Summer Concert Series has been lead by Willie Ferrero. For the 21st edition of the series, Ferrero passed the torch to Susan Grimaldi, and she said she was inspired to incorporate a benefit event into the series after seeing the success of a UNICO dinner for the Garwacki family last winter.

Cory Garwacki is a young man who has short gut syndrome and has undergone numerous surgeries and treatments throughout his life, as recently as this spring. Cory's positive attitude and strength of character have inspired many in town and a group of people, who call themselves Cory's Angels, work to keep interested friends and community members informed of Cory's situation and also help organize events to raise awareness of his illness and to raise funds to help offset the family's mounting medical bills.

"Not having any children ourselves, my heart really went out to this family and all they were going through," Grimaldi said.

She said she presented her idea to the Rotary Board of Directors, and also talked to members of Cory's Angels and Cory's mother, Beth. They were all receptive to the idea.

"[At the time] I didn't have any particular thing in mind, just an extra concert," Grimaldi added. Around that time, she said it was merely coincidence that Dr. Louis S. Competiello called to see if the Rotary Club was still looking for entertainment for the concert series. He performs in The Jazz Singer, a tribute to the music of Neil Diamond.

That's when it clicked for Grimaldi and what began as a small idea, with the help of Competiello, Cory's Angels and many others, became a variety show finale for the concert series.

Performers include a gymnastics demonstration by East Longmeadow resident Tim Dagget, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, and his son, Peter Dagget; comedy by Joseph V. Breton; vocal performances by Junior Dane Kane Singer Olivia Opal and Dan Kane Singer Lauren Roberts; and more.

The Concert Series begins at the High School's athletic field June 28 with The Diamond Collection (rain date: June 29).

For more information about the band go to www.diamondcollectionrocks.com. Sponsor for this concert is Berkshire Bank.

The concert series Benefit Concert Variety Show will take place Aug. 16 (rain date Aug. 17) at the athletic field. Sponsors for this show are 22News and the East Longmeadow Rotary Club.

Attendees to all concerts should bring their own lawn chairs and, in the event of rain, watch 22News at 6 p.m. for weather information regarding the concert.

Check The Reminder and www.thereminder.com each week for an update on next week's Rotary concert.