"Everybody Loves Betty"

ABINGTON SUBURBAN EDITOR

Betty Bellantoni's friends think the world of her.

They love her hilarious writings about her family, her "rabid" loyalty to the New York Yankees, her devotion to physically and developmentally challenged youngsters, her warm and generous spirit.

Now she has cancer and her friends want to help.

"Everybody Loves Betty," an auction fundraiser for Betty, will be held from 3:30-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at the Fatima Renewal Center in Dalton.

Organized by Team Betty, "An Afternoon of Friends, Fine Art & Treasured Items" will include works of music, artwork, sports memorabilia and at least one vacation destination.

One of the major auction items is a week at a timeshare at Telluride, Colo., with two bedrooms that sleeps six, valued at $2,700.

The impressive array of items includes signed CDs by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, auographed books, gift certificates, theme baskets and jewelry.

Artists who have donated artwork to date include: Lynn DeSanto, Marilyn Steele, Cheryl Korb, Pat Henneforth, Joanne Benson, Jean Kelly, Joan Matsui, Shane McGeehan, Lori Sweet, Duncan Perry, Edie Suydam, Zigga Phillips, Krista McMahon, Patty McFarland, Verve Vertu, Rose Stone, Barbara Green, Emily Rancier and Dori Waters.

There will be food, music and beverages. Maggie Boga, who graduated from Abington Heights High School in 2005 with Betty and Michael Bellantoni's son Anthony, has organized a string quartet.

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Betty "reaches out to people and includes them and makes them feel better about themselves," said Anne Armezzani, part of Team Betty.

Paula Baillie met Betty through the parent-teacher organization at the Abington Heights Middle School. That was 17 years ago. Paula soon became one of her friends. "Her sphere, as well call it," Paula said with a smile.

The Bronx native and her husband Michael moved to the Abingtons from Westchester County, New York, after he suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident. They moved so he could receive rehabilitation therapy at Allied Services.

Here, they went beyond themselves. Seeing a need, the Bellantonis established the Lackawanna County Chapter of the Little League Challenger Division. It is open to all children age 5-18 with physical or developmental disabilities.

Betty has been an active member of the community and involved in other programs that help people with developmental and physical disabilties.

She was diagnosed with cancer last fall and has been receiving chemotherapy.

"Betty has touched many people's lives," Paula said. Her friends "want to help in any way that they can."

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Team Betty is still soliciting items or foods for the auction. Those who want to donate food or items or purchase tickets are asked to call Anne at 254-9520 or Paula at 586-1672. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

Online, those with Facebook can type in Everybody Loves Betty into the search. Those without Facebook can consult http://everybodylovesbetty.blogspot.com/, which is a blog that updates auction needs and wants.

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