Joan D'Alessandro Celebration Set For September 7

The Joan's Joy Foundation, an organization named in memory of murdered Hillsdale resident Joan D'Alessandro which advocates for laws to protect children, will hold a celebration of Joan's life on her birthday, September 7.

The events will include an afternoon event for families featuring music, games, food and other activities from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Westwood Elks Lodge and a dinner and dance party with wine, beer, soda and a four-course meal from 6 to 10:30 p.m.

John Douglas, the founder of the FBI's profiling unit and author of an upcoming book on Joan's case, will speak during the dinner.

Money raised by the event will support the foundation and a new white butterfly memorial to Joan to be placed in Hillsdale.

Tickets for the afternoon event cost $10 per person or $25 per family at the door. Tickets for the dinner cost $65 for adults or $30 for children and attendees should RSVP by August 27.

To reserve seats for the dinner, visit the Joan's Joy website. Anyone who can't make the event can also donate to the foundation there.