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Dear Friends of Gary and Keri Baldelli,

You might already know Gary Baldelli, Danbury High School Class of 1975 who played football for Coach Gus Edwards and the Hatters.  After his high school graduation, Gary obtained his airplane pilot’s license and an aviation mechanics degree from Abbott Tech’s post-grad program.  He had just landed a job with Mobil Oil Corporation, out of Westchester Airport when tragedy struck.

In April of 1981 Gary suffered a severe spinal cord injury while playing rugby at Roger’s Park in Danbury.  After surgery at Yale and rehab at Gaylord in Cheshire, Gary regained only limited use of his upper arms and has lived the past 30 years as a quadriplegic.   Yes, the rugby accident changed Gary’s body, but not his spirit and soul.  Gary and his wife Keri Pierce Baldelli are Pastors of His Vineyard, a non-denomination Christian Fellowship Church out of Bethel, CT.  Their church has a reputation for being welcoming to all and a haven for those in need. 

In 2001, a miracle for Gary occurred.  The technology was developed that enabled Gary to DRIVE his own van.  For the past nine years, Gary has been able to live an independent life, ministering to his congregation and community without having to rely on others for transportation.  This past October, Gary’s old van malfunctioned and was totaled in an accident.  Because the van was so old, the insurance will only cover a small amount.  He needs to purchase a new van, and then the state will provide the expensive modifications to get Gary back on the road again. 

To help Gary purchase his van we are holding a fundraising dinner on March 21, 2011 at Anthony’s Lake Club Catering, 10 Christopher Columbus Ave., Danbury, CT.  (near Lake Kenosia).  The dinner will be held from 5:00pm – 9:00pm.  The cost will be $30.00 per person and a wonderful buffet dinner will be served.  If you can attend this dinner or make a donation please send your check to the address listed below.  We thank you in advance for any financial help and/or prayers you may contribute to this worthy cause. 

Sincerely,

Ken Saloom                                                   DHS Class of 1959

Tom Pardalis                                                 DHS Class of 1968

Rosemary Tarsi Pardalis                         DHS Class of 1969

Patty Alhage Morgan                                    DHS Class of 1972

Taryn Jowdy DiBuono                                    DHS Class of 1975

Ralph Baldelli                                                DHS Class of 1977

George Dimyan                                        DHS Class of 1979

Lisa Basher                                                DHS Class of 1984

Tressa Basher Kovacs                                    DHS Class of 1990

Please return this portion with your check, made payable to Cash with a note Gary’s Van Fund.

Please mail checks to: C/O The Pardalis Family, 43 Gillotti Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812

____# will attend                       

Amount enclosed____________                        Name____________________

____ will not attend                         

Charitable contribution_____________