Scholarship Fund to Host Lights and Sirens Ball

The Michael J. Latta EMS Scholarship Fund will host its first-ever “Lights and Sirens for Education Ball” this month to raise money for young people pursuing careers in emergency medical services.

The event, which will feature a spaghetti dinner, music, a silent auction and raffle drawings, will be held Saturday, April 30, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Lawrence Elks Club, 652 Andover St., Lawrence. The dinner event is sponsored by Patriot Ambulance, Inc.

Local and national businesses have donated items for the auction and raffle, including a Vera Wang wedding gown from David’s Bridal, gift certificates from 99 Restaurants, Not Your Average Joe’s, Zorvino’s Winery, Friendly’s, Orzo’s and Starbucks. Other raffle and auction items include autographed sports paraphernalia from the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins, a Dell Convertible laptop, and an iPod Touch.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Michael J. Latta EMS Scholarship Foundation, which awards annual grant scholarships to individuals who emulate Michael’s character traits of work ethic, dedication, energy and enthusiasm, and who are seeking careers in emergency medical services. The 2011 scholarship winners will be announced at the ball.

“Michael touched and inspired so many people through his perseverance, vision, dedication and intense work ethic,” said Linda Latta, Michael’s mom. “We established this scholarship fund to provide financial support to EMTs who want to become paramedics. In this way, Michael can continue his goal of helping others even after his death.”

Michael was a graduate of North Andover High School.

For more information about the event, to buy tickets or to learn more about the Michael J. Latta EMS Scholarship Fund, please visit http://emsscholarship.com/.