Oh What a Night for a Fund-Raiser

Oh, What a Night it will be with Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons performing their hits at the Palace Theatre in Stamford on May 20 in a benefit concert for  Dana’s Angels Research Trust (DART).

Founded by Andrea and Phil Marella, whose teenage daughter, Dana, was diagnosed at the age of eight with Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC), DART funds medical research for a treatment or cure of the rare, degenerative and fatal disorder. NPC, which prohibits the metabolism of cholesterol, has severely affected Dana. She no longer walks or talks, has a feeding tube, and requires constant care. Seven years ago, at the age of five, Dana’s younger brother Andrew, the Marellas’ fourth child, also was diagnosed with NPC.
 
While a cure remains elusive, with DART’s help, significant advances have been made in treatments to slow the progression of the disease. Researchers hope to start a drug trial this year with a new therapy that holds great promise for all kids with NPC.
 
This year’s benefit gala kicks off at 6 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. The 8 p.m concert – preceded by a brief DART introduction and live auction – features one of the best selling musical groups of all time, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, whose long list of hits includes “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “Who Loves You” and “December 1963” (Oh What A Night!).  Dovetailing with the success of the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys,” about four young musicians who defy all odds to become successful, concert tickets are selling quickly.
 
“Last year’s Smokey Robinson concert is a tough act to follow,” said Andrea Marella. “But everyone’s going around smiling and singing ‘Oh, What a Night’,” so that inspires me.”
 
Returning for the 6th year as hosts for the annual fundraiser are Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford. “The Marella family’s struggle against Neimann Pick Type C is nothing short of heroic,” said Kathie Lee on her involvement with DART. “It’s been heartening to watch the Greenwich community join them in their battle.” Other veteran supporters of DART planning to attend the event include Greenwich residents Regis and Joy Philbin, event chair Maria Pope Kessel and her husband Kerry Kessel, as well as honoray chair Michelle Phillips of “The Mamas and The Papas.”
 
Former undercover New York City detective, Sonny Grosso, of “The French Connection” fame will be in attendance, as will Edwin Torres, former New York State Supreme Court judge and crime fiction author, and Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia and his wife, Maureen.
 
Auction items include a one-week stay in a deluxe three-bedroom suite on the beach in Turks and Caicos and premium tickets to see Rihanna and Cee Lo Green in concert including a meet-and-greet backstage with Rihanna. Also on the auction block are table rights for six at the exclusive Rao’s restaurant in NYC, where with only one seating per evening and a mere ten tables which are owned like condominiums, people can wait years for a reservation.
 
Tickets for the gala and premium concert seating can be ordered by visiting danasangels.org and general seating tickets are available at scalive.org.