Bolton is one of a number of stars, most more well-known in Italian music circles, who are lending their voice to the fundraiser, A Voice for Padre Pio in the World. The event is in support of Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Research Hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. The hospital was founded by Padre Pio in 1956.
“Michael Bolton is doing this because… we would like to call different people from our normal audience,” said Jo Di Risio, productions office manager at NRG Productions, the organization running the event.
A Voice for Padre Pio is a three-day event, also known as Una Voce per Padre Pio nel Mondo 2013. It’s the second year the gala has been held to raise funds for the Italian hospital.
“This hospital is really known because they never reject anybody,” Di Risio said. “Whatever your condition, if you are poor, they don’t care. If you have a credit card or not, they are going to take you. If you need help, they always have a free bed for you.”
Funds will also go to the construction of the Padre Pio village that will provide community members with housing, access to clean water, food and education in the Ivory Coast.
The first event, a Gala Dinner Show, will be held on Sept. 12 at the Embassy Grand Convention Centre in Brampton.
“A lot of energy, a good mood and a lot of Catholic people,” in addition to an Italian menu is what diners can expect, said Di Risio.
There will be performances and all artists will attend the dinner, including Bolton and famous Italian performers such as Al Bano and Ricchi e Poveri.
The bigger artists, Bolton among them, will be onstage for the Sept. 14 concert at Brampton’s Powerade Centre. The concert and main fundraising night will be broadcast by Italy’s Rai International and hosted by Rai Uno host Massimo Giletti. Canadians can contact their local cable providers to subscribe to Rai. Viewers will be able to call in and donate.
Di Risio said they try to keep their costs low and all profits will go to charity. Last year $500,000 was sent to the research hospital.
Also, on Sept. 15, Toronto Auxiliary Bishop William McGrattan will celebrate the Solemn Mass in honour of Padre Pio at the Kleinburg, Ont., church named in the saint’s honour.
Tickets for the dinner and the concert can be purchased through Ticketmaster, but buyers should beware of a scam that claims to be holding a Padre Pio event in New York with some of the same performers, said Di Risio. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (905) 760-5674. For information, visit www.padrepionelmondo.com.