WELCOME
Dear Bocce Invitational Supporter:
We are working diligently to organize a worthy list of organizations to support our 2nd Annual Bocce Invitational benefiting Operation Shoebox New Jersey and the Embrace Kids Foundation, in conjunction with The Cancer Institute of New Jersey and The Sarcoma Foundation of America.
The aforementioned 501(c) 3's are of particular importance due to their continuing efforts to make a difference in the lives of many New Jersey residents and their families. Operation Shoebox New Jersey provides much needed care packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Embrace Kids Foundation, founded in 1991 and committed to enhancing the quality of life of children with cancer and blood disorders, is a preferred charity of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. CINJ is a leader in laboratory, clinical, prevention, and population research. Currently, there are 16 hospitals that are part of the CINJ network spanning the entire state. Some of the local hospitals are Robert Wood Johnson, Somerset Medical Center, JFK Medical Center, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, University Medical Center at Princeton and Raritan Bay Medical Center.
The day's activities will include a Bocce Tournament officiated by America's Mr. Bocce, Phil Ferrari and his assistant, Ciro Poppiti. Marisa Petroro, actress, model on NBC’s “Deal Or No Deal”, and 2007 Italian-American Woman of the Year, will throw out the ceremonial first ball and will lead the children's festivities as the spokesperson for The Sarcoma Foundation of America.
Giada Valenti, singer and songwriter, will perform for the guests with songs from her recent CD "Italian Signorina". Giada is from Venice, Italy, and has performed throughout the United States and most recently at Feinstein's in The Loews Regency in New York City. In addition, we hope to have Joe Piscopo, Bobby Valli, New York Giants alumni, New Jersey Devils alumni and Rutgers University football players as repeat guests.
Lastly, we are in conversation with several children's character groups to entertain the children during the day, such as Wiggles World and possibly SpongeBob SquarePants.
Please take a moment to view our new website for details and to register a team or enlist sponsorship. Please also consider forwarding this to a friend or family member who might be interested in participating.
Respectfully,
Frank Valanzola
Invitational Organizer
Frank Provenzano
Sheriff, Somerset County
Pat DeChirico
Treasurer
CWO-USMC
Mark Szczecina
Sargent, 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
ABOUT US
NEW JERSEY BOCCE INVITATIONAL MISSION:
The New Jersey Bocce Invitational is an Italian-American Cultural event which was designed to allow people of all backgrounds to compete for the benefit of local New Jersey charities. With the support of volunteers we intend to host an Annual Bocce Tournament each year going forward with the intent to give back to our community and uphold the tradition of a sport which has long been a part of our Italian heritage.
The organization will commit its efforts to supporting 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.
Respectfully,
Frank Valanzola
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