Local couple, Starzz Entertainment host 5th veterans fundraiser on May 20

Warwick Beacon ·

Vinny and Elly Palumbo have always loved veterans, but were inspired to help on a larger scale by their close friend Walter Hall, who was once a prisoner of war in Korea and later received a medal from President Dwight Eisenhower. Hearing about what Hall experienced as a POW when he was 17 years old made the Palumbos eager to take action.

For the past five years, that action has come in the form of “Proud to Be an American: An Evening Dedicated to Our Veterans,” a dinner, dancing and entertainment event where all proceeds are donated to veterans seeking service at the Voluntary Service Unit of the Providence VA Medical Center.

“We started on this with [Hall] in mind and it’s so rewarding knowing that you’re helping people who are putting their lives on the line daily for you and me,” said Vinny Palumbo.

The Palumbos, who team up with Starzz Entertainment to put on the event, say the amount raised each year has increased. Their first show had about 160 people and raised about $5,000. Compare that to last year, where they had around 400 people attend and were able to donate $14,000 to the VA.

“It’s pitiful what’s happening to our veterans today…when you look at them and half are on oxygen, some can’t walk and you know they’re up in age, but you see the smile on their face. You know that they know someone is remembering them,” said Vinny Palumbo. He said it’s always “rewarding” to see the amount of people who come and that one regular guest of the event is 102 years old.

The Palumbos, Lisa D’Ambra and Steve Quirini of Starzz are hosting the event again this month. Vinny Palumbo said they don’t have any specific fundraising goals in mind but hope to match or better the amount raised last year.

Attendees of this year’s event will be treated to dinner, dancing, raffles and musical entertainment from Quirini and special guests Reminisce, the “Premier Oldies Group of New England.” The Palumbos promise “everybody has a good time” at this “fun night for a good cause.”

“Proud to be an American” will take place on May 20 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Quidnessett Country Club, 950 North Quidnessett Road in North Kingstown. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $42 per person and include dinner, dancing, entertainment and raffles. Tickets can be purchased through Palumbo at 413-6320 or D’Ambra at 451-5500. The deadline to buy tickets is May 10.