PRESS RELEASE
Azalea Charities, Giorgio’s Family Restaurant and D.A.R.E. sponsor a Holiday Dinner for Military Heroes and their Families
Prince William County, VA, December 12, 2010 – The bright faces of children, the resonant voices of the Hylton High School Troubadours, and a gourmet holiday feast helped usher in the spirit of the season for our military heroes, families and friends at an Annual Holiday Dinner sponsored by Azalea Charities, Giorgio’s Family Restaurant and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program. This event took place on Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 4:30 to 7:30 at Giorgio’s Family Restaurant in Montclair, VA.
Lieutenant General Ronald S. Coleman, USMC Ret, acted as the Master of Ceremonies to a crowd of over 60 military personnel and families from Quantico and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Coleman was thrilled to be part of this event, saying “Every time I attend an event like this, I get swelled up with pride at the way Azalea Charities and Giorgio’s work together to bring joy to our military people and their families.” As Coleman introduced Santa Claus, a sea of happy faces smiled to see each child go up to receive a gift. Another treat for everyone was a stunning performance by the Hylton High School Troubadours, clad in Renaissance costumes and singing a mix of classical and holiday songs. Giorgio’s presented a gourmet holiday feast that included ham, turkey, and beef, along with all the trimmings.
According to Frank Lasch, Chairman & Founder of Azalea Charities, “Every year this party makes my holiday complete. It’s a way for our community to the community to say “Thanks” to the men and women of the US military who give so much for our nation.
About Giorgio’s Family Restaurant
Since opening its doors in January of 1999, Giorgio’s has grown from a 12 seat deli to a 130 seat full-service restaurant with banquet facilities and catering. In addition, Giorgio's periodically hosts special events such as their very successful “Greek Night” wine dinner, wine tastings, and fundraisers, New Years Eve celebration, and numerous other events. Giorgio’s is located in the Montclair Shopping Center at 4394 Kevin Walker Drive in Montclair, Virginia (22026).
About D.A.R.E.
This year millions of school children around the world will benefit from D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), the highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation's school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. A special thanks goes out to Jim McGivney, Regional Director at DARE America Education, and Mr. Tom Hazelton of the DARE Donations Center for providing the toys for the children.
About Azalea Charities
Azalea Charities is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Prince William County, Virginia. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time, talent and money. Azalea Charities raises funds for its community charities and Aid for Wounded Warriors through membership fees, private donations and sponsorship of Team Azalea Charities in the Marine Corps Marathon and the Azalea Classic Pro-Am Invitational Golf Classic, the organization’s keystone event held each May at the Piedmont Club. Beyond minimal expenses, all the funds they raise go to their charitable core causes.
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For more information, contact:
Frank Lasch, Chairman, Azalea Charities, Inc.
703-670-5238, azaleacharities@aol.com