Annual event in Wallingford supports Muscular Dystrophy Association

Nola Coyle, 8, of North Haven, and Emily Oronzo, 8, of West Haven, check out silent auction items at the Party for a Cure fundraiser at Zandri's Stillwood Inn in Wallingford on Sunday. | Molly Callahan/Record-Journal

Published: August 31, 2014 | Last Modified: August 31, 2014 11:04PM

By Molly Callahan Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD Close to 300 people packed Zandris Stillwood Inn Sunday for the 18th annual Party for a Cure fundraisier.

Through the years, proceeds from the event have reached more than $414,000, all of which goes to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, an organization devoted to finding a cure for neuromuscular diseases.

Jim Zandri, owner of the Stillwood Inn, has organized the event since its inception.

When I started doing this, I didnt really have any personal interest in it I didnt know anyone with the disease, Zandri said. But over the years Ive gotten to know families, and Ive realized that people depend on it, they depend on the research thats going on.

Zandris goal this year, as always, is to raise at least a dollar more than last year. Its something of a lofty goal last year brought in more than $30,000.

Most of the money comes from ticket sales and a silent auction, which brought in more than $22,000 last year. This year, items such as an autographed Celtics basketball, bottles of wine, and restaurant gift cards and goods were up for auction.

We have a lot of really great stuff this year, I just hope people keep bidding on it, Zandri said.

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Annual event in Wallingford supports Muscular Dystrophy Association