Fashionably Fundraising

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT > FASHION

The inaugural Sun, Sand & Style fashion show was such a hit, the Brigantine Elks Lodge will host a second event May 23

By Ray Schweibert

Add Comment | Comments: 1 | Posted May. 14, 2010

Mary Lou Del Grippo was able to enjoy the beach last summer through use of a handicap-accessible beach wheelchair donated through funds raised by the Brigantine Elks’ Sun, Sand & Style show.

Last spring the Brigantine Elks Lodge pampered the public with a champagne brunch and fashion extravaganza that was so well received, it’s pulling out all stops with a second event Sunday, May 23. The show is from 11am-2pm at the lodge, 400 West Shore Drive in Brigantine, and serves as a fundraiser for the lodge’s Special Needs Children Committee. All are welcome to attend.

Last year’s chic affair raised over $4,000, a portion of which was applied toward the purchase of two new handicap-accessible beach wheelchairs. Through this and other functions, the lodge has donated a total of four chairs to the city’s beach patrol.

“[The chairs] definitely get a lot of use and are much appreciated,” says Linda Camerota, emcee of the Sun, Sand & Style show. “I’m involved in a lot of charity work but don’t often get the opportunity to see how the money raised is directly put to use on a day-to-day basis. That’s not the case here. This is something that’s very tangible and was able to be put to good use in a very short time, helping people in the city.

“I use it personally,” she adds. “My mother has emphysema and has a hard time walking through the sand, and so often while she’s in it people come up to us and ask ‘where did you get that?’ They thought it was my own personal chair, and were amazed when I told them that the city has them for use [free of charge]. They were so grateful.”

The gourmet breakfast will precede the show, which will feature dignitary/celebrity fashion models that include Brigantine Mayor Phil Guenther, Miss Atlantic County Lindsey Petrosh, Miss Columbus Day Katie Berry, singer Melissa Marshall (AC Weekly’s 2010 Nightlife Awards winner for best lounge act), WOND 1400 talk-show host Don Williams, AtlantiCare’s Dr. Sean Daley and others. Fashions will be provided by Lilli Rose, Primal Surf, Root Beer Barrel, Tessie Bridal of Ventnor and White House/Black Market of The Quarter at Tropicana. Bloomingsales will provide accessories and The Links at Brigantine Beach golf attire. Additionally, White House|Black Market will donate 10 percent of its sales on May 23-24 to Elks Charities.

The gourmet brunch will feature made-to-order omelettes, smoked salmon, lox and bagels, pastries, shrimp, ham, salads, quiches and fruit. A new touch this year is an elegant Bellini and Mimosa bar.

Cassello Jewelers of Brigantine will be donating three pieces of custom-made jewelry valued at $3,700 to be raffled off.

“We are so honored to have Cassello Jewelers as a major partner in our efforts to raise dollars for handicap beach wheelchairs,” says Tonia Harris, the event chairperson. “[Gaeton Cassello’s] generosity and true spirit of giving is extraordinary.”

Tickets to the event are $25 per person or $225 for a table of 10. Call (609) 266-9826 for tickets.