Tuscan evening planned for Mercy Gala

submitted photo Singer Rudy Amato performs at Arrowhead Stadium.

Herald-Tribune

Continuing the annual tradition, Mercy Health Center, Fort Scott, is slated to host its 19th gala, "Evening Under the Tuscan Sun."

Over the years, the gala has grown in attendance, sponsors and participants, and this year's festivities are expected to follow the same trend, according to Mercy Director of Marketing Carla Farmer.

Giving weight to this expectancy is the inclusion of new performers. One of which is Kansas City singer Rudy Amato.

Amato, native of Buffalo, N.Y., has spent the last 17 years in Kansas City, eight of which he has spent performing at numerous events in the Midwest metropolis as well as in such cities as Chicago, New York and St. Louis.

Fort Scott residents became acquainted with Amato's music during a performance at the Liberty Theater alongside the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra last year. In fact, it was this performance -- the only show Amato has put on in Fort Scott -- that sparked the idea of his returning as a pre-show feature performer for the gala.

"We packed that theater and we had a great time," said Amato. "Then they invited us back, I was pretty much embraced by the community."

Amato, whose full time profession as the operations manager for the Kansas City Auto Auction has nothing to do with music, says he only performs as a hobby. Many of his shows are simply charitable performances for area organizations including: Hospice, The Women's Shelter for Domestic Violence, The Society for the Blind and the Sunshine School for Children.

"I have a lot of fun on Sundays," said Amato. "Sometimes I go out to the assisted living centers around the Kansas City area and I have got quite a following."

Amato's resume also consists of several major performances including the singing of the U.S. National Anthem at Arrowhead Stadium as part of the Kansas City Chief's pre-game show.

Following this year's gala's Italian theme, Amato will be performing songs from the "Golden Age" big band era of music, including: Dean Martin's "Amore," "Evening in Roma," and (time permitting) "A Kick In The Head." According to Amato, this genre of music is his forte.

"I try to capture the essence of the "Music of The Golden Age," he said, "with tributes to such greats as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darrin, Al Jolson and the great Louie Armstrong."

Amato said he is excited about his return to Fort Scott in light of the area's hospitality.

"They welcomed us into the city and the town," he said. "It was fun and I can't wait to get back there."

The gala, scheduled for Aug. 23, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., in the vacant Wal-Mart building, 2400 S. Main, will act as a fundraiser for the construction of Mercy's newly announced Cancer Chemo-therapy Care Center.

Reservation prices for the event will remain the same as in 2007: $45 for individual reservations; Donor level, $160 per couple; Spirit Sponsors (table of 10), $800; and a Corporate Benefactor (two tables of 10) $1,600 and up.

Reservations are being accepted now, and seats are still available for the event. For more information call Farmer, Mercy Development Office, (620) 223-7026.