By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
One restaurant in Manville is continuing its tradition of using its available facilities to assist in raising awareness of diseases and other causes with an upcoming fundraiser that will mix music with a good deed.
Rhythms of the Night, on South Main Street, will hold a Battle Acts for Jack fundraiser July 27 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. to raise money for research of histiocytosis, a rare blood disease caused by an excess of white blood cells, which can damage the skin, bones, lung, liver, spleen, gums, ears, eyes and the central nervous system.
”We have a lot of fundraisers for good causes,” John Pettoni, owner of the restaurant, said.
According to the fundraiser’s Web site, Battle Acts for Jack began as a method of raising money for Jack Rubin, a boy who was diagnosed with the disease in October 2007, when he was two months old. The goal of the events, including the one at Rhythms of the Night, is to raise funds and awareness in an effort to provide support for patients and families dealing with the disease.
The fundraiser will feature performances by Dirty Little Secret, Cobra Snake Necktie, Stronger than Dirt and Amethyst, in addition to two acoustic players, who will all entertain guests throughout the afternoon, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
”Our restaurant is conducive to these kinds of events because of our stage,” Mr. Pettoni said.
Those wishing to come into the restaurant that day are being asked to pay $10 per adult and $5 for children 12 years of age and under upon entering. Mr. Pettoni said all of the money will go toward additional research and other endeavors to help the one in 200,000 children affected by the disease.
”This donation seems very reasonable,” he said. “The proceeds are going to the organization that supports kids with the disease.”
According to Mr. Pettoni, the restaurant hosts about four to five fundraisers throughout the year to support different causes. Usually, he said, they manage to raise between $3,000 and $10,000 from residents and other patrons.
”We try to support these good causes,” he said. “Plus, it brings more attention to my business.”
For more information on the fundraiser event, call the restaurant at 908-707-8757.
For more information on Battle Acts for Jack, visit the Web site at myspace.com/battleactsforjack.
