Local Italian favorite supports the Nevada chapter of the ALS Foundation with an intimate and energized evening of food, music and more.
For Gio Mauro, chef-owner of Monzu Italian Oven and Bar, and Christopher Militello, the restaurant’s Director of Raising Spirits, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) is a personal matter.
Mauro’s uncle and Militello’s mother were afflicted with ALS, a progressive, fast-moving degenerative disease of the nervous system with a lifespan of only two to five years.
“I remember vividly how… his body just kept on giving out little by little,” says Mauro. “And by the end, he couldn’t eat. He had to be spoon-fed. And it’s… you know, all that in between, they need assistance.”
Militello says his mother’s illness prompted his family’s move to Vegas “[b]ecause she started getting sick, and she couldn’t take care of herself for years. She was misdiagnosed. They thought she had [Multiple Sclerosis] at one point.”
Militello continues. “They thought she had a stroke at one point, and then… it wasn’t until she went to the Cleveland Clinic [Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health] [that] they found out it was Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
Militello shares that his aunt was a caretaker. One focus of ALS Nevada is on the caretakers who often need additional assistance when patients are uninsured or underinsured, don’t have many care options, or don’t have close carers in their lives.
ALS of Nevada’s mission is “to support patients and their families through direct care, research, advocacy and treatment – helping people with ALS to live life to the fullest.”
“This is a local chapter,” says Mauro, “and they help out people in our community. And it’s, it kind of feels grassroots and homegrown in a way, and it just [feels good to do.]”
Fundraising Efforts
Chef Mauro tells us, “This is our fourth year doing it; [in] the first year, we raised $7,000. [In the] second year, we raised $15,000. [In] the third year, we raised over $25,000. Our goal for this year will hopefully be $30,000. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
Food and beverages are donated for the event and the entire Monzu team coordinates to both raise as much money as possible and maximize the guest experience.
“I want to reiterate,” says Mauro, “it’s a whole restaurant endeavor. Like [the] past three years, the service staff has all given their tips to the ALS Foundation. The cooks donate their time. [T]he whole place just shuts down for this event.”
Mauro says guests should expect a “joyous” vibe. “We have to celebrate life, you know? I mean, the whole point of helping is to remind people that there’s joy.”
Joy comes in many forms at this event, which promises delicious food, inspired cocktails, curated wines and entertainment, with a mostly mingling cocktail party atmosphere. Some large communal tables are also set up.
“Here we have a band on stage. My wife will be singing, which I’m super excited about.”
We ask if he will sing. “Well, you know me, I need a few glasses of wine, but then I get up and sing a few songs.”
Food will be served as passed appetizers. For those with heartier appetites, Mauro quickly points out his Italian upbringing and sense of hospitality. “[Y]ou know, we say passed out hors d’oeuvres, but you know me, I’m Italian. You’re not gonna leave hungry. I promise you.”
He laughs. “I always have my relatives in the back of my head going, ‘They can’t leave hungry! They can’t… what are they gonna say if they’re still hungry?!'”
What to expect? All of your Monzu favorites, including cold appetizers, pasta, pizzas, grilled meats and more.
As for specialty drinks, Militello said they are bringing back the Sgroppino. “It’s a nice, traditional Italian dessert drink with… lemon sorbet, vodka and a little bit of Prosecco. It’s delicious.”
Supporters can also take part in raffles and silent auctions.
Tickets and Event Info
Monday, August 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
6020 W Flamingo Rd #10 Las Vegas, NV 89103
Tickets cost $125 plus a $4.53 transaction fee per person ($129.53 each) and can be purchased via GiveSmart, hosted by ALS Nevada. If you cannot attend but want to donate to the cause, you can do so via the same link. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the ALS Foundation.
ONLY 100 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD.
