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ESPN Celebrity to MC Veteran's Ball

Jason Crawford, Host of ESPN First Take.

July 31, 2011 — CEO, Cheron Rebok, is pleased to announce that Jason Crawford, ESPN celebrity, will be the master of ceremonies for The Frank Parisi Memorial Veterans Ball. Jason hosts the daily two-hour program ESPN First Take.

The gala honoring all veterans is November 11, 2011 at the . Ms. Rebok has been planning the ball for over two years. Rex Engle, GM of the Oberlin Inn said, "We are honored to host Positive People and their Veterans Ball."

The event's proceeds will assist Voices for Veterans to continue its mission to bring live music and dance to our veterans in nursing homes and VA facilities. Voices for Veterans is a Music on a Mission ensemble. Known as M.O.M., Music on a Mission is driven to bring joy to people that otherwise would not have an opportunity to hear live music, sing or dance. More information about Music on a Mission can be found on their website.

Frank Parisi learned to play the guitar in 1963. "He was an extraordinarily gifted musician with a heart of gold," according to Ms. Rebok. She continued, "Frank served our country in the Army from 1969 to 1971, with two tours in Vietnam. Frank was the founding guitar player of Voices for Veterans, and was instrumental in getting the M.O.M. band into the dementia unit at Brecksville VA Hospital. He felt very strongly he needed to serve these men and women through music." Frank A. Parisi died on March 12, 2010. Ms. Rebok named the ball after him the next day.

The event is a formal black tie or dress uniform affair with a red carpet, bag pipers, honor guard, dinner and dancing. Live music will be provided by Voices for Veterans. Jason Crawford will share his reverence and respect for veterans. Crawford's father met Rebok's father while serving their country, and the families have been friends for over 50 years.

Registration and ticket sales for The Frank Paris Memorial Veterans Ball will begin in September. Positive People of the Western Reserve is seeking sponsorships from the community for veterans to offset the cost of the event. To sponsor a veteran, contact Ms. Rebok at [email protected].