Hear & Near (5/14)

Here: Rotary Clubs hosts Casino Night

The Ahwatukee Foothills Rotary Club will host Casino Night from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the Grace Inn at Ahwatukee, 10831 S. 51st St. The fun-filled evening will include casino games; drinks and hors d'oeuvres; a live DJ; a Texas Hold'em Tournament; and a silent auction.

Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. VIP tickets are available for $50 and include seats in the tournament.

Proceeds will benefit the club's programs, including Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high school scholarships, a dictionary project for all third-graders in the Kyrene School District, Gift of Life Arizona, Youth Exchange Program and Millennium Village Project.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Sandy at (408) 785-2966.

Near: Ahwatukee violinist/business owner helps fellow Rumanian

"Rumanian Rhapsody," a benefit concert to help defray medical expenses for Phoenix Symphony violinist Ioana Dumitriu, who is currently battling cancer, will begin at 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident and Phoenix Symphony violinist Dimitri Lazarescu is a Rumanian emigrant, who played a major part in organizing the concert and alerting the Rumanian community. He is also one of the soloists in the concert. Lazarescu owns The CoffeeBuzz, at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, suggested minimum donation of $10 by cash or personal check. Open seating. For information, call (602) 953-5923.