THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 1995 TAG: 9512120122
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAWSON MILLS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines
They came from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk, like any other group of holiday revelers, to gather at the Aberdeen Barn on Northampton Boulevard.
Inside they filled their plates from a sumptuous buffet, raised their glasses, danced, greeted old friends and generally made merry.
For the members of the Paisanos and the Commonwealth Foundation, a loose-knit group of Old Dominion University graduates from the mid-'80s, and their guests it was more than just another holiday party. The gathering on Sunday was an anniversary marking 10 years since they first gathered in similar fashion at the old Friar Tuck's in Norfolk.
It was also a fund-raiser. Members paid $15 a person at the door, with the proceeds going to the Joy Fund, sponsored by The Virginian-Pilot. Organizers for the event had promised to raise $1,000.
They reached their goal.
Their first event, a decade ago, had also been a fund-raiser for the Joy Fund.
``We were hell-raisers turned fund-raisers,'' explained John Langlois, president of Tele-Video Productions and spokesman for the group. ``People need to be needed.''
In between the two events, the 500 or so individuals who are loosely affiliated with the groups - there are no formal memberships - have raised tens of thousands of dollars for a lengthy list of worthy causes in Hampton Roads. Some of those who have benefited are the Catholic Elementary Education Foundation, United Negro College Fund, Lee's Friends, Medical Supply Resource and Rescue, and the Hampton Roads Committee to Prevent Child Abuse.
Some of their number have been active in the political arena as well. State Sen. Mark Early and Virginia Beach City Councilman W.W. Harrison were present to celebrate along with them. Jim Chapman, unsuccessful candidate for the 2nd District Congressional seat, put in an appearance and Glenn and Reba McClanan made it just before the party ended.
``This group has just done so much good for the community,'' said real estate executive Joan Gifford, who works with Lee's Friends, a group that helps cancer victims and their families. ``It's just grown and grown, what they've done, and it's all young people which is so marvelous.''
Not content to rest on their laurels, the groups' members, according to Langlois, are planning to immerse themselves in council elections and the next presidential election, the Navy League and the Virginia Beach Forum.
Ten years ago they were college students. Today their ranks include young professionals and business people; their numbers have spread out from Hampton Roads to virtually every part of the country. Now as then, they select their causes, roll up their sleeves and pitch in.
On Celebrity Night, to raise funds to prevent child abuse, they wait on tables and the tips and proceeds go to help stop child abuse. Several of their number are regulars with the Catholic schools' annual telethon.
Betty Wade Coyle, executive director of the child abuse group, commenting on the reason for the support her organization has received, said, ``I think it's an interest in the issue on the part of various members.''
Langlois recognized Aberdeen Barn owner Gus Pramatias, who donated the food for the recent affair, and fellow ODU grads Brian Brunick and Jill Hernandez-Layne, who helped put the event together. In keeping with their tradition of making their contributions in the name of an individual, the Joy Fund donation will be presented in Pramatias' name.
The Paisanos began as an association of male undergraduates at ODU around 1980 (the groups are too informal to keep any records other than mailing lists). Around 1985, the Commonwealth Foundation developed as a coed offshoot of the first group. Individually or in groups, those associated with the two organizations take on about 15 events per year, according to Langlois.
``It's all very informal,'' he added.
Informal it may be, but after 10 years, it's still going strong and making its presence felt throughout Southside Hampton Roads. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by DAWSON MILLS
Sister Agarha Teipe, left, of Portsmouth Catholic, and Emma R.
Hoffler of the United Negro College Fund, greet at the party thrown
by a group of Old Dominion University graduates from the mid-'80s.
The two organizations are among those who have benefited from the
group's charity.
KNOW A HELPER?
Through December we will be profiling individuals, businesses and
organizations that are reaching out to help others during the
holidays. If you'd like to nominate the goodwill shown by someone
you know, send us some information by fax at 490-7235 or by mail to:
Beacon Holiday Helpers, 4565 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach,
Va. 23462.
by CNB