Shelby Township Lions Club to raise money and collect items for hurricane relief

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Lions Club is planning to raise funds and collect items during a special event at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township this month in an effort to help hurricane victims.

The hurricane relief fundraiser, which will feature a spaghetti dinner, a live DJ, a cash bar and a strolling dinner, will be held 4-8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township. Tickets cost $30 or $300 for a table of 10. Fully 100% of the proceeds will be donated to hurricane victims. A flyer states that the dress will be nonpartisan casual attire.

Joe Burke, one of the organizers, said this fundraiser has been put together by the Lions, the Palazzo Grande, Thrilla Gives and many other individual and corporations.

“All the people in the area that are supporting this cause are doing this to help support their fellow American citizens that need help at this time. We need to all pitch in together and take care of all the individuals (we) possibly can that are in need of help at this time,” he said.

In addition to money, the Lions are collecting used and new clothing, pajamas, tube socks, bedding, flashlights, batteries, water, sports drinks, bikes, toiletries and more. Donations can be dropped off at Palazzo Grande 2-7 p.m. Oct. 23-24, 2-8 p.m. Oct. 25 and 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 26.

Mike Garvonic, another of the organizers, said that when you look at the videos of the hurricane aftermath, you know that lives will be lost no matter how fast help arrives.

“Knowing this, everything we do must be done with a sense of urgency to save lives. The faster we move, the more lives will be saved. For example, we turned the brochure and went to print in less than 24 hours. We have already reached out to thousands of people, and the response has been overwhelming to help the people in Carolina, knowing what they face. One thing we must all look at: This could be your child or grandpa or friend that is in this situation. With that being said, all who are part of this are stepping forward to help and have put this priority one and all else in our lives is on hold,” he said.

He said each day an individual goes without suitable drinking water or food, their time is running out.

“Lives are at stake and we all together are going to make a difference. Please donate and support this endeavor. We are going to save lives,” he said.