We are working diligently to prepare for the 4th Annual New Jersey Bocce Invitational event scheduled for Saturday, June 4th, 2011. Our committee members and proposed charities have agreed to collaborate on what hopes to be the continuation of upholding the tradition of Bocce and support charitable organizations who have demonstrated a track record of fiscal and program management that yields accountable and transparent results to donors and society-at-large.

We would kindly request your participation and involvement of this Red, White & Blue event. We are working diligently to organize a worthy list of organizations to support our event benefitting Operation Shoebox New Jersey and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The aforementioned 501© 3's are of particular importance due to their continuing efforts to make a difference in the lives of New Jersey residents and their families. Operation Shoebox New Jersey provides much needed care packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Founded in February of 2005, this volunteer, grass roots organization has dedicated itself to collecting supplies and shipping care packages to U.S. troops based in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Middle East countries. To date over 35,000 have been shipped to military personnel overseas through the dedication and involvement of thousands of volunteers. To further support our efforts, The Wounded Warrior Project, has agreed to join us and enlist the services of their members by participating in our packing event. The purpose of this nationally recognized organization is to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is committed to enhancing the quality of life of children. St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly . St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas and opened on February 4, 1962. St. Jude is supported primarily by donations raised by its national fundraising organization, ALSAC, which was established by Danny Thomas expressly for the purpose of funding St. Jude.

We have already reached out to many entertainers to support our efforts and hope to report a full menu of celebrities as we get closer to the event. The day's activities will include a Bocce Tournament officiated by America's Mr. Bocce, Phil Ferrari and his assistant, Ciro Poppiti. Will Jimeno, retired Port Authority Officer and survivor of 9/11 will throw out the ceremonial fist ball for Operation Shoebox. In addition,we will host a number of entertainers such as, Singer and songwriter, Giada Valenti, will perform for the guests with songs from her recent CD "And I Love You So". Giada is from Venice, Italy, and has performed throughout the United States and most recently at Sergio Franchi Memorial Concert sponsored by The National Italian American Federation. Eric DeLauro will perform the Sinatra Rat Pack Tribute. Eric sang in concerts last year alone to audiences of well over one million people with the largest of 40,000. Eric performs his Sinatra Rat Pack Homage Tribute music on international stages, with Top Ten Billboard Recording Artists, on national television and at concerts all around the country. Last but not least, The Italian Chicks will return with their G-rated version of the nightclub act which has received rave reviews throughout the metropolitan area in the past year.

Please take a moment to view our website for details and we look forward to hearing from your charitable representative.Please also visit us on Facebook.

Respectfully,
Frank Valanzola
Invitational Organizer

Frank Provenzano
Somerset County Sheriff

Pat DeChirico
CWO-U.S.M.C(ret)

Mark Szczecina
Sergeant-Somerset County Sheriff's Office

An Italian-American Cultural Event Sponsoring Local Charities Located in Colonial Park, Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey Please contact Frank Valanzola at 908.400.0851