Upcoming bocce events benefit VNA, Lions charities

The Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan’s signature fundraiser, Bocce for Bucks, recently received an infusion of support for its April 6 fundraiser from the 2007 Detroit Lions Tony Filippis Memorial Bocce Tournament.
Palazzo di Bocce owner Anthony Battaglia will present VNA with a $6,000 check toward the organization’s bocce fundraiser, soon to be hosted at the Orion Township establishment.
‘I have a great respect for the work the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan does,? Battaglia said. ‘These are difficult times for non-profit organizations. I am proud to support them.?
Battaglia and the Detroit Lions decide which charitable organizations to give grants to from the monies raised at the Tony Filippis Memorial Bocce Tournament. For the third consecutive year, VNA has been at the top of their list.
‘We are grateful for the support that Mr. Battaglia provides for our event,? said Kathleen Holycross, president and CEO of VNA. ‘Palazzo di Bocce is a wonderful venue to enjoy an elegant afternoon of bocce and bring friends together.?
The Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan, established in 1898, is the largest, independent non-profit home health care and hospice organization to serve patients of all ages, from birth to end-of-life. Annually, VNA provides care to more than 8,400 residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Livingston and Washtenaw counties.
The VNA will host their fourth annual Bocce for Bucks this Sunday from 2-6 p.m., at Palazzo di Bocce. The event features indoor bocce tournament play, Italian dinner fare, folks songs by the Italian American Cultural Society’s Coro Italiano, a silent auction and more.
The event is ideal for families and individuals of all ages, and no bocce experience is needed.
Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Ticket prices range from $100 to $200, and tickets or event information is available at (248)967-9600 or www.vna.org.
The 2008 Detroit Lions? Tony Filippis Memorial Bocce Tournament will be held on Thursday, May 22. That fundraising event is being held in association with the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame. Look for more in an upcoming edition.