What started as a goal to run marathons has turned into a fight against MS.

It started back in 1991 when Tony Rubino ran a marathon and raised money for multiple sclerosis. One marathon turned into 15 and made him one of the top fund raisers for MS. By then he had damaged knees and needed a different approach to raising money for his favorite charity. While at dinner with his good friend, Al Marino, whose wife has MS, they decided to host a guy’s night out dinner with steak, booze, boxing, and cigars. Thrilla at the Villa was born that year in 2004.

Over the last 20 years, Thrilla at the Villa has evolved and raised almost $2.3 Million for local charities. Including National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Juvenile Diabetes, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Friends of Foster Kids, Families Against Narcotics, Vietnam Vets Chapter 154, and many other local non-profits.

“We bring judges, politicians, and prominent business people together for an evening of good food, entertainment, networking, and all for a good cause,” said Tony Rubino. “One year we had all three county executives with the county sheriffs as well. We are blessed because we’ve had so many vendors donating their products and services over the years.”

Al Marino & Tony Rubino: Co-founders of Thrilla at the Villa. 

Each year the sold-out event is something these men (and a handful of women) look forward to. The Thrilla has gone from shaving heads and mustaches, and pies in the face in the early years to high-end auction items, Golden Glove boxing, and live entertainment today. Each year, local businesses donated gift cards and funds for this event. Jim Beam, has been our presenting sponsor for the past few years.  

The Thrilla at the Villa team is passionate about giving back to the community.  

Special thank you to all the committee members who bring their talents and services including George Penna and his staff at Villa Penna, and Jim Schmeltzer from Elite Photography who takes photos and videos at each event. These people do it for the cause and don’t ask for anything extra in return.

Our auction site is officially up and LIVE for viewing and bidding!

Make your way over to https://thrilla23.givesmart.com/ to Browse, Bid and Buy.

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For more information, please call Alexandria Salvaggio at (586) 610-8770.