Benefit for Danni attracts 1,500

There was a large turnout for the fundraiser last Saturday at the Niagara Active Hose Volunteer Fire Company, on Lockport Road for 16 year old cancer victim Danni Perini diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

More than 1500 people were estimated in attendance.

“It was the largest fund raiser I ever saw,” said Sal Paonessa who helped Danni’s family organize the event and who is chronicling Danni’s heroic fight on www.nbn7900.com.

Many local politicians were in attendance including State Senator George Maziarz, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster, former Mayor James Gallie, County Legislator Dennis Virtuoso, Police Chief John Chella, local businessman John Accardo and Lewiston council member, Ernie Palmer.

Rich Murajda of Rich Promo Enterprises secured four bands to play at the fundraiser, all of them donating their time. The family chose a classic rock theme with Kathy Lynn and the Playboys, Kick the Jukebox, the Flat Tops and the Diva Show Band.
There was food and drink, a Chinese basket auction, 50/50 split, a raffle of big ticket items donated by businesses and friends, such as a 50-inch RCA home theater system, and a $500 gift certificate from the restaurant Bravo in the Galleria Mall.

All told there were more than 250 baskets that were raffled off.

“Everyone asks me how I’m doing, and I’m like, I’m fine with it. It’s not gonna beat me,” says Danni.

Readers can follow her progress on Facebook on Danni’s journey and on the Sal Paonessa show.

Donations can be sent to: Danni M. Perini Benefit Trust, P.O. Box 1104, Niagara Falls.