Anti-bullying fundraiser to feature Italian cooking demo and dinner

Bullying in our schools? What’s it going to take to turn this around? There’s a better way than reacting with metal detectors and security guards. 

VINCI Educational Consulting is hosting An Italian dinner and cooking demonstration as well as a preview performance of “You’re Not the Boss of Me… Taking the BITE Out of the Big Bad Bully."

Cleveland’s own Aaron Calafato will be performing at this special dinner party/fundraiser event held at Behind the Woods, 21919 Center Ridge Rd. in Rocky River on Wednesday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner tickets are $50 and all are invited. Your check is your reservation. Call 440-356-8055 to reserve your ticket.

Calafato, writer and storyteller, presents the mini-drama with a dash of humor. The story defines the "Three Faces of the Bully Scene" by exposing the bully behavior, empowering the bystander and giving hope to the victim. Come for an evening of fun with great food and entertainment.

The cooking demonstration by three local celebrity chefs is sure to entertain. Chef Jim will prepare popular recipes from James Dominic’s restaurant. Chef Chad from The Woods Restaurant will feature favorites, and Chef Cheech of Lou’s Sausage Company will demonstrate all-time favorite family recipes. Charles Bartell of Rossa’s in Rocky River will bring the dinner to a cool, crisp finish with his authentic Italian gelato. All guests will receive a take-home collection of recipes.

This fundraiser will provide scholarships to several area teachers to attend the Character Conference in Washington, D.C., in November 2012. Interested teachers can submit their applications to chillvinci@hotmail.com by June 1 for consideration. We can be a part of the solution to this disturbing bullying problem that plays out in our schools and communities. 

The Character Education Partnershiphas established 11 targets to help schools and communities to be safe and respectful. Watch academic scores rise and behavior problems drop. Recognition is given yearly to those schools that qualify as National Schools of Character. Over 600 schools across the nation participate.  

The dinner party is open to everyone. Reservations are required. Call 440-356-8055 for a fun evening of dinner, demo and drama.