On April 23, Villagers came to St. Timothy’s Catholic Church for a fundraiser. The event was held to help fellow Villager Steve Biasi.
Due to the pandemic and some health issues, Biasi was unable to work, and bills started to accumulate. There was concern that he might loose his home. When Alan Ross, a local entertainer from Water Oak, heard about Biasi’s struggles, he decided to do something about it.
Ross started raising money by holding half hour shows around The Villages. He raised about $500 before he began to thinking that there was a better and more effective way to raise the money for Biasi. Ross asked several other local entertainers if they would participate in a fundraising event. About 10 entertainers agreed to help, including Suzie Casta, Richie Q and Mark Steven Schmidt. Jim “Uncle Pepe” O’Baid from In Motion even helped in finding the location for the event.
“This is the biggest show I’ve ever produced,” Ross said. “Father Ed and everyone has been great.”
The event lasted three hours, and they had a set goal of trying to raise $20,000. There were casino tables, raffle drawings, carnival games and more. By the end of the event, $21,000 was raised.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Biasi said. “I felt undeserving.”
For Biasi, it seemed to be a humbling experience, and while the fundraiser hasn’t gotten him completely out of the hole, it did help. There may be another event at a later time. Biasi has a GoFundMe page if anyone wishes to help
– Written by Gazette News Editor, Emily Baker