In October 2007, Anna Casador of Cranston lost her son, Eric, in a car accident. The once mother-son fundraising team became a passion of Casador’s in memory of her son and she founded an organization in his name to continue to raise funds and support the community.

On Sept.4, the Annual Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation Gala sold out, once again, at Spain Restaurant in Cranston.

“The goal of the event was to sell 100 tickets and we sold out and more again this year, with a final count of 112 people,” said Casador. “The event continues to grow every year.”

The evening started with the great Caribbean sounds of Steel Pan drums by Jason Roseman of Pawtucket and with music by DJ Vito and plenty of raffle prizes that offered something for everyone. 

Holly Ferreira of Henna by Holly provided beautiful henna tattoos for everyone.

The top raffle prize was a Beach Getaway to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands with a value more than $2,000, which was won by Samantha McLaughlin Medeiros of MA. The top raffle prize netted approximately $2,500 in ticket sales alone.

Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, hosted by Spain Restaurant, as Steve Palumbo sang.

Guest speaker Chef Frank Terranova of WJAR TV10 came to show his support and to announce that he and Casador are planning a cooking throw down between them for their next fundraising event. Casador is well known for her cooking and baking as she personally provided the sweet treats that evening.

“With the amazing support of our main sponsor, Spain Restaurant, fabulous donors like Kamco Supply of New England, Stop & Shop, Custom Car Stereo Center, and many others, the event was a great success raising approximately $8,000 to help with numerous causes throughout the year in our communities,” said Casador.

The Foundation provides emergency aid for displaced families, Holiday Meals for families in need, MAE Organization for the Homeless, Brain Injury Association of RI, Friends of Homeless Animals of RI, the CCAP food pantry, St Croix animal rescue and Sunshine Foundation as well as the Queen Louise Home for Children of St Croix.

“We also contribute to those in need when we can lend a hand,” said Casador.

Also, in attendance were Amanda Adams, 2018 Mrs. Rhode Island America, Allyson Genovese 2016 Mrs. Connecticut America who was also the Emcee and Christopher Buonanno of St Mary's Feast Society as the Raffle Master Announcer.

“I could not do this event alone, I am blessed with the help of my amazing team,” said Casador. “A special thank you to Joanne Marzilli, Sandra Moniz, Maria Manzi, Stephanie Matos, Lynda Nardolillo, Lydia Veira and Margherita Paolucci.”

Visit their website at www.ericmedeirosmemorialfoundation.com for more information on the Foundation and how you can get involved or donate.