A fundraiser was held on Sept. 5 by the Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation at Spain Restaurant in Cranston. The event raised approximately $3,000 for both the CCAP (Comprehensive Community Action Program) and the Brain Injury Association of RI. Spain Restaurant sponsored the event and provided the intimate venue and wide variety of food as a donation.

There were passed hor d’oeuvres, a buffet, desserts and a cash bar as well as a raffle for those in attendance.

Founded by Anna Casador, Eric's mom and the founder president/CEO of the Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation, works to make the community a better place to live. She began the Foundation in memory of her son Eric who tragically died in a car accident on Oct. 22, 2007; he had just turned 22 that week.

“Our mission is to raise funds and awareness for the needs in our community by the power of volunteers, donations and fundraising,” said Casador.

“My son, Eric was always by my side,” said Casador. “He was known for his own charitable work prior to his passing. It has been very healing for me to continue the work we loved to do together in support of the community.”

Casador is currently the 2017 National Elite Woman of Service and she will soon start her second reign with the title of Mrs. Knightsville.

“The event was a huge success,” said Casador. “Thank you, Spain Restaurant, for being our amazing sponsor and for donating all the scrumptious food.”

The event goal was to have 100 people and they exceeded that amount to what became a sold-out event full of family, friends, contributors and community as well as pageant leaders and winners.

“I'm so happy to be able to help these two amazing organizations that provide so much help in our community,” said Casador. “The Cranston CCAP food pantry and the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island.”

According to Casador they met their goal to be able to present each of these organization with a generous donation. The CCAP food pantry will receive food items for the pantry and a check.    The Brain Injury Association will receive a check for them to use as needed to support survivors and families of survivors of brain injuries.

“We are already working on our next fundraiser to benefit families for Thanksgiving,” said Casador.

Visit www.ericmedeirosmemorialfoundation.com to see what events are coming up to and how you can be a part of the foundation and help the community.

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YOUNG DESIGNER:

Pictured is Abby Bober, age 6, (the granddaughter of the Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation’s Founder and CEO, Anna Casador) showing the centerpieces which she designed for the fundraising event at Spain Restaurant in Cranston. (Herald photos by Steve Popiel) spain2 jpg PAGEANT SUPPORT:

Anna Casador, who is currently the 2017 National Elite Woman of Service and incoming (her second reign) Mrs. Knightsville, is pictured in the middle at the recent fundraising event by the Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation with 2017 Mrs. RI America Amy Diaz Case and Miss American Teenager 2018 Sarah Gongoleski.

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BUFFET:

Spain Restaurant in Cranston donated the venue and food for the Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation’s fundraising event on Sept. 5 to raise funds for CCAP and the Brain Injury Association of RI. Pictured is a sampling of their buffet served that evening.

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TEAM WORK:

Pictured is the Founder and CEO of the Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation, Anna Casador along with Owner of Spain Restaurant, Terri Rodriguez.

spain5 jpg AT THE DOOR:

Greeting guests to the Eric Medeiros Memorial Foundation at Spain Restaurant in Cranston were Joanne Marzilli and Maria Manzi, both from Cranston.