By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
JACKSON – The James Volpe Foundation will host its second Winter Dinner Dance from 7-11 p.m. March 4 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 401 Bartley Road, Jackson. Tickets are $40 and may only be purchased at the event’s page on Eventbrite.
The foundation is named in memory of James Volpe, 17, of Jackson, who died in a motor vehicle accident in May 2011. Volpe was a senior at Jackson Memorial High School at the time of his death. All proceeds from the dance will go to the foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The dinner dance will feature a buffet dinner, soft drinks, beer and wine, a 50/50 raffle, a door prize contest, DJ Nick Rocco and dancing. Guests must be 18 years old to attend and 21 years old to drink. Casual attire is suggested, according to information provided by the foundation.
Since the foundation was started, it has hosted a Wiffle Ball tournament and a family fun day during the summer and a golf outing during the fall. In 2016, the foundation’s directors decided to add a winter dance to the roster of events.
John Mucia Jr., 23, is the vice president of the the James Volpe Foundation. He said the organization has raised more than $50,000 over the past five years.
He said the foundation provides scholarships to high school seniors, holiday gifts and food to less fortunate families and special equipment to various leagues. The foundation has supported a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions at Jackson Memorial High School.
Mucia said the foundation has expanded its efforts beyond Jackson.
“We have donated to (organizations) such as Wounded Warriors, Make-A-Wish and the Red Cross,” he said. “We have donated to families in need in other towns during holiday seasons and we have paid for children’s sports registration fees if their families cannot afford to do so. I would like to add that our foundation was just voted the No. 1 charity of the year in Jackson this year.
