DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / August 9, 2000

PAULINA – The Longview Recreational Grounds will host a festival in celebration of life this weekend, gathering more people than most any event seen in St. James Parish. Pattifest has been organized to raise money forprosthetic limbs for Patti Amato, currently overcoming Meningoccal Meningitis.

Amato has been fighting her illness in an up and down battle at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge since April. And since thattime the people of the River Parishes have been gathering in support of Amato, whether saying the rosary outside of her room or attending fund- raisers for her medical bills.

On July 17, 360 golfers turned out for a golf tournament at the Pelican Pointe in Gonzales. The whole club was rented out for the day whichculminated a great deal of planning. Sue and Dennille Louque, Renee’Waguespack and Mary Ellen Ropier, “worked for two weeks straight looking for sponsors,” said Danny Louque, Amato’s uncle and godfather.

They found corporate sponsors for $500 and private sponsors for $100. Inthe end, 32 business and 240 individuals sponsored the event. The 360golfers also donated $100 in order to play for Amato.

“I never set a goal. I thought maybe we’d get $40 or $50,000, but I nevertold anyone,” said Louque. An amazing $82,000 has been collected from thetournament, with another $3,000 left in pledges.

Some people criticize the River Parishes for this and that, but “when there is a great need they always come up to do what they have to do,” said Louque.

Jared Amato, Patti’s husband, was shocked at the turnout at the golf tournament. People he didn’t think would care, or weren’t close to the family,were there.

“It was overwhelming. Anywhere I was on the street, where ever, peoplewould stop and ask how Patti was doing,” said Amato. People all over theRiver Parishes, even people he’s never met, have been writing to express their support.

“It’s easier knowing that many people are pulling for us,” he added.

This weekend, hundreds of people are headed for Longview to again show their support for the Amato family. Friday through Sunday the LongviewRecreation Grounds will be filled with music, activities, food and fun.

Tommy Bourgeois is the overall chairman of the event.

“People have been bombarding us with food and drinks. You name it,whatever you can possibly want will be here,” said Bourgeois. “The golftournament was successful, but there is only so much you can do. Thisweekend there is a lot you can do to participate and help Amato.”The only problems they’re facing right now are where to park and put everybody.

“The best part about the whole thing is Patti may be coming,” said Bourgeois. Amato, having improved steadily over the last two weeks, mayreceive a pass from her doctor, allowing her to attend the festival. She mayeven get to stay a night at home. One thing Bourgeois knows is that he”doesn’t want to be the doctor to tell her she can’t come,” he said.

When Jared Amato asked what he could do to help, Bourgeois told him nothing, just do what he could to get her there.

The agenda for the weekend festival is packed full. Friday, a Home Run Derbyfor the ages of 7 through senior citizen is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Boysand girls get 10 swings for $5, adults get seven swings for $5. At 8 p.m.Take 5 will be playing from 8 to midnight.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be a mixed adult cabbage ball tournament at $100 per team. Twenty-five teams have already signed up to play, saidBourgeois. To register, call Kathy Bland at 869-9815.Bits and Pieces will be the live music from 8 until midnight.

Sunday at 9 a.m. a “5K Run For Patti” fun run and walk will start off aroundLongview and the surrounding streets. Entry fee $10. Awards will bepresented, and a free meal ticket will be given at the race. Forms may bepicked up at Snoball Stand on Main Street in Gramercy or by calling Debbie or Shark St. Pierre at 869-4132; Debbie Millet at 869-8560; or Maryellen Roperat 869-5815.

At 10 a.m., there will be one-pitch softball, and you should contact LarryForsythe 622-4070 or 869-8028 to participate. Also at 10 a.m. registrationstarts for a Poker Run. There are 300 to 400 motor bikes already preparingfor the race. Others interested should contact Joan Teague at 869-8675.In the afternoon an auction will start at 1 p.m. Donations for the auction canbe given by contacting Fran Laiche at 869-3064 or Tina Bourgeois, with extension 335. All weekend sweet booths will be dishing out confectioneries.Contact Dawn Tramonte with donations at 869-9188.

Sunday will wrap up with music by Misbehavin’ from 4 to 8 p.m. All those 18 and over watching the bands are asked to make a $5 donation.

There will be air-conditioned tents also available.

The food, drink and the fun is all free, said Bourgeois.

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