Garden parties are filled with charm and graceful elegance. The open air blends the sounds of the wind with the music of the soul. Art in the illuminated night celebrates nature’s wonder and enchantment.

 

It is with those sentiments that Cadobaz was conceived, in densely wooded land, around a lake flanked by tall trees. It is a theater for art and expression, ideas and entertainment. A theater with a stage of stone whose backdrop is the canvas of nature.

  

The theater found its home on Cadwallader-Sonk Road, in the township of Bazetta, a small place in northeastern Ohio, where nature has remained pristine and new. It borrowed its name from its address CAD (wallader Sonk)-O-BAZ (etta). As it were, its name also reflects its essence: Culture, Arts and Dining Of BAZetta.

 

Cadobaz has hosted a variety of events, ranging from classical concerts to medical and other cultural meetings, and its activities continue to increase in scope and diversity. Nevertheless, it remains principally the home of the Avamar Foundation.

 

In 2008, when construction of Cadobaz was completed, we wished to share its beauty with our friends and neighbors while at the same time helping the less fortunate. Our community, as many others, has suffered from the consequences of an economic downturn, which continues to affect everyone. Avamar Gastroenterology, our local medical clinic, saw an urgent need amongst the elderly. Many of them are unable to afford prescription medication. We decided to try and help.

 

Our first fundraiser, then under the auspices of the Trumbull County Community Foundation, took place at Cadobaz in late summer 2008 and attracted 170 guests. An all evening party with music, hors d’oeuvres, an art exhibit featuring Yarek Godfrey, a gourmet dinner by Michael Alberini, and a jazz concert by the Joe Augustine Trio.

  

The fundraiser became known as “An Evening Under the Stars” and has since become a yearly event. Among our performers, Dahd Sfeir, a Uruguayan actress and winner of the Helen Hayes award, national magician and comedian Eric Thompson and, last but not least, dancer Mark Ballas, from Dancing with the Stars.

  

In 2010, the Avamar Foundation was created. As awareness of our foundation increased, so did the number of guests at the now much expected “Evening Under the Stars”, totaling nearly five-hundred in August 2011.

  

 

Our foundation is small but it is growing, thanks to the generosity of our contributors and to local media coverage. We are humbled by the unwavering support of our community and also by the support of others who have come from Cleveland, Akron and Pittsburgh to attend our events. Our governing board is made up of volunteers, who donate their time and resources to maximize our fundraising ability. Those who help us with organization and execution also contribute by donating what they can and charging a minimum for their expenses. Collected funds are entirely donated to the needy elderly, selected by the criterion of greater necessity, to help them buy prescription medication. We accomplish that goal without salaries or added fees.