Francis Center’s ‘A Night of Jazz’ to benefit children's & women's respite programs

Francis Center presents “A Night of Jazz,” featuring Ladies’ First Sextet, from 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Stella Niagara.

Tickets are $35 presale at www.franciscenter.com, or $40 at the door. Entry includes hors d’oeuvres, one glass of wine or beer, or a soft drink. Water and punch are free. Additional beverages cost $5.

Celebrity bartenders include Niagara Falls School District Superintendent Mark Laurrie and former Heart, Love & Soul Executive Director Sister Beth Brosmer.

In addition, guests can look forward to a charcuterie display prepared by Personal Touch, auctions, a raffle, and a gift card board.

Ladies’ First Sextet is part of Buffalo’s own Ladies’ First Jazz. The all-female group was formed by bassist Jennifer May, and has performed at lauded concert venues including the Tralf Music Hall and the historic West Herr Riviera Theatre.

Music at “A Night of Jazz” is sponsored by the Maid of the Mist.

The event will be held in the Stella Niagara children’s dining room, 4421 Lower River Road, Lewiston. Entry will be at door C (school/old post office door), with handicap access conveniently located at the main door.

Francis Center Board Chairwoman J Suzan Ben said, “We are super excited to offer an evening of fun, laughter, great music, and stupendous prizes. As a special treat, our guests will be served by celebrity bartenders. It all will add up to a much-anticipated, fun evening to support our programs.”

Francis Center is a ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis at Stella Niagara that provides the community two distinct services: the children’s program, which offers academic and social-emotional after-school support to kindergarten-, grade 1- and grade 2-age children from low-income City of Niagara Falls neighborhoods; and the women’s respite program, which serves low-income women by providing mothers and grandmothers with rest and renewal in a safe and welcoming environment to promote health in body, mind and spirit.

The nonprofit Francis Center has offered support services for more than three decades.

Children’s program director Mary Beth Smith said, “Our aim is to help the children develop a strong foundation of skills needed to be successful in school. These include not only early reading and math skills, but crucial social skills such as perseverance, managing frustration and kindness. We do this in a loving environment, free of charge to the families.”

Women’s respite program director Sister Diane Gianadda, OSF, said, “For over 30 years, women In need of relief from the challenges of raising children or grandchildren with special needs or dealing with illness have found the women's respite weekends a source of renewal and support.”

Smith added, “Proceeds from ‘A Night of Jazz’ will go directly toward sustaining these programs so that they can continue to benefit those in need.”

For more information, call 716-284-2050, or visit www.franciscenter.com and www.womensrespite.org.