Tony Orlando concert to benefit Opportunity Village

By Dave Clark

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008 | midnight

Tony Orlando will be hosting a concert to benefit Opportunity Village at 2 p.m. Oct 11 at South Point Hotel and Casino.

Opportunity Village spokeswoman Seana Pitrone said Orlando has been a longtime supporter of the organization and offered to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the matinee performance.

"Tony had a sister with cerebral palsy, so it's very close to his heart," Pitrone said. "He's been around people with disabilities and wants the best for them."

The concert is also being sponsored by South Point Casino, the Las Vegas Sun and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Doors for the performance will open at 1 p.m. Raffle prizes will also be given away, including a gift basket of Tony Orlando memorabilia and a lunch for four with Orlando. Raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Show tickets are $35, $40, and $45. VIP tickets, which include a surprise from Orlando, are selling for $100.

The group is hoping to raise $25,000 from the concert.

Pitrone said donations to Opportunity Village have not diminished with the recent economic downturn. The nonprofit group serves those with intellectual disabilities through job placement, rehabilitation and social recreation.

"We're very lucky," Pitrone said. "Our donors have been with us through thick and thin."

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].