For the last four years, friends and family of Donnie Vacca have held an Annual Charity Benefit in memory of their lost friend. Each year they have chosen a different cause and organization to support within their local community.

This year they chose Epilepsy Niagara to be the charitable organization to support, because one of their colleague’s sons was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. As they were struggling with the diagnosis, the idea came to them and their friends to send his son to an epilepsy summer camp. The funds they raised went towards sending this young boy to Summerfest, sponsored and held by Epilepsy Ontario. Proceeds above this cost were donated to Epilepsy Niagara.

The event entailed a volleyball tournament held on Saturday, April 28, 2007. On Saturday, May 26, 2007, they held a charity benefit with local bands donating their time to help entertain and companies donating items for raffles and prizes.

With the support of the community, this young boy will be able to attend Epilepsy Ontario’s Summerfest children’s summer camp for one week and meet other children affected by epilepsy. Epilepsy Niagara thanks this group for making a difference in one young boy’s life, and hopes that this example will provide a ripple effect across other communities in Ontario.

Writer: Melissa Penner, Executive Director, Niagara Agency
Published: Fall 2007 in Sharing newsletter