Event this Saturday aims to spread awareness about fentanyl poisonings
Today is the last day to buy tickets for Saturday event
– The Emilio Velci Share Aloha Project is presenting the 3rd Annual Evening of Aloha Saturday evening at Atascadero Lake Pavilion. The luau dinner celebrates the memory of 19-year-old Emilio Velci of Atascadero, who died several years ago after ingesting fentanyl. Friday is the last day to buy tickets for the fundraiser.
Three years ago, a coworker at a Paso Robles restaurant sold 19-year-old Emilio Velci a counterfeit Percocet to give him relief from his painful wisdom teeth. The pill contained fentanyl. Emilio died later that night. His mother, Cammie Velci, started the Evening of Aloha to promote awareness about fentanyl in the community and to raise money for scholarships and recreational basketball at Colony Park Recreation Center, where Emilio worked coaching kids basketball and referring games.
Emilio Velci.
Saturday evening’s event is the 3rd Annual Evening of Aloha. Among the speakers, District Attorney Dan Dow will discuss the fentanyl crisis in San Luis Obispo County and what law enforcement is doing about it. A representative from the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency will also attend the event. Cammie Velci will also share her experience.
The authentic Hawaiian dinner is being catered by Zoe’s Hawaiian Barbecue in Santa Maria. Dinner includes the traditional kalua pig, teriyaki chicken, and teriyaki beef. For dessert, Josie’s Cakes is preparing pineapple upside-down cake and coconut cake.
A silent auction will also raise money for the Emilio Velci Share Aloha Project.
Friday is the final day to buy tickets for Saturday’s event. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.
For information or to buy tickets, go to EmilioVelciAlohaProject.com or Eventbrite.
