Carnivale, Community Cares for Kids (CCK) 10th annual fundraiser, will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes Barre.
Proceeds fund a yearly medical mission by Shavertown plastic surgeon Dr. Francis Collini accompanied by a team of doctors and nurses. They operate virtually around the clock for one week on children who suffer from disfiguring injuries or birth defects.
On the most recent mission, from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3, 2016, the team of 17 people traveled 3,000 miles to operate on 49 poor and orphaned children at Hospital León Becerra, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Life-changing surgeries were performed on boys and girls ranging in age from babies to teens.
On this trip, the team focused on a birth defects particularly prevalent in Ecuador — deformed or completely missing ears, a challenging problem to correct. This birth defect is also a very disfiguring one and results in a child being shunned and prevented from living a normal life.
An all-volunteer organization, CCK also donates ten percent of all funds raised each year to area charities. This year the recipients are Volunteers in America and Wyoming Valley Children’s Associagtion.
The Carnivale fundraiser is a special evening of fine food and drink, music and fun. This year’s event features a premium open bar all evening, hor d’ouevres, dinner and dessert, along with dancing to music by Flaxy Morgan.
A live auction and a silent auction will give bidders a chance to win jewelry from Valentine’s, a marble sculpture by nationally-known artist David Green, a Pride Mobility Lift Recliner from the company’s Heritage collection, a week rental in a luxury apartment at Harveys Lake, a catered dinner for 10 from Epicurean Delite, spa packages from Age of Innocence, and more.
A 50/50 raffle, a palm reader, and photographer will provide entertainment for all.
Attire is “Blue, Black, or Beads” (that’s anything from black tie and mask to blue jeans and beads).
Tickets at $150 per person or $295 per couple may be purchased by calling 570-674-6525. Donations are tax-deductible.
