Valentine's Gala an act of love

Shrewsbury - The annual Tara Bean Valentine's Gala will be held Saturday Feb. 9 in memory of 9-year-old Tara Bean, a Shrewsbury resident who died of a brain tumor eight years ago.

Tara was diagnosed just three weeks before her death. Family and friends honored her memory that first year with a macaroni-and-cheese dinner to raise money for research and treatment for children suffering from brain tumors. That first dinner raised $19,000 and eventually evolved into the Valentine's Gala.

The gala, to be held in Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester, will benefit the Tara Bean Foundation, which raises money for medical research and advancements in treatment.

The event will include a live auction, a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and dancing to the music of Eye to Eye of Boston.

Gov. Deval Patrick will receive the 2008 Tara Bean Distinction Award for his Life Sciences Initiative, now in the State Legislature. The initiative would aid in research such as that conducted by Shrewsbury resident Dr. Craig Mello of UMass Medical School, in the treatment of cancer.

The event is open to anyone 21 years old or older. Tickets for the events are $125 and should be purchased in advance, as seating is limited. To purchase tickets, call the foundation at 508-845-1150 or send e-mail to giving@ TaraBeanFoundation.org.