Wally Lamb is the author of six New York Times best-selling novels and a volunteer at Connecticut’s York Correctional Institution. He will be hosted by Lost Acres Vineyard for a fund raiser to support CASA’s Ranchero Pandillero, an innovative program in Mexico to reduce gang violence.
Lost Acres Vineyard is also hosting MásHipHopMenosViolencia in tribute of Lamb’s volunteer work at the maximum-security prison for women and Isael Gonzalez’s work in Central Mexico with gangs.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lost Acres Vineyard. Tickets are $50 and include wine, hors d’oeuvres and the program that includes a reading by Lamb from his not-yet-published volume of essays. All proceeds benefit CASA and its Ranchero Panderillo program.
Community members will hear and see how two professionals are working in neighboring countries, using creative writing, art and music to positively contribute to lower violence and enhance rehabilitation.
Lamb shared that, “Twenty years ago, my friends Anne Newman and Esther Cohen cofounded New Yorkers for CASA and when I told them I was going to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for a writer’s conference, they told me I had to go to see CASA, a nonprofit whose central office is in San Miguel. They were right! CASA is an amazing place and the young ex-gang members that I met were kind, warm and self-confident, speaking about CASA as the best job of their lives.
They explained how they help young people choose creative and peaceful paths rather than turning to violence. I was so turned on to Isael’s work that I told him I wanted to help raise funds for its continuation.”
Those attending the event will be exposed to provocative and lively art and conversations and also be given the opportunity to purchase artistic photographs by photographer Tatiana Lans, books by Lamb and paintings by gang-involved youth. A silent auction will attract bids on exciting items and adventures.