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(Paramus, NJ) March 21, 2007 - Neither rain, nor sleet, nor hail kept more than 250 people from digging their cars out of the snow, navigating the messy roads, and braving the elements to attend Children's Aid and Family Services' much anticipated "Sparkling Evening of Magic, Marvel, and a touch of March Madness" gala fundraiser held at the Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell, New Jersey. The evening was a great success, and raised more money than ever before, all of which will directly benefit the vulnerable children and families the agency serves.
During the evening, the guests feasted on sumptuous food, watched college basketball March Madness games on large-screen TVs, and bid on an exciting array of silent auction items, including rare signed sports memorabilia, incredible golf outings and behind-the-scenes TV studio passes.
The evening's program also included a poignant video featuring five of the agency's clients telling their personal stories and how the agency helped them. The heartwarming piece left a lasting impression with the audience.
The excitement really started when Tyler Mathisen, managing editor of CNBC Business News and emcee for the evening, announced the beginning of the live auction. A select group of items were brought out for bid, including a stay at a canal-side apartment in Amsterdam for two weeks; a chance to be named as a character in an upcoming novel by international, best-selling author Harlan Coben; and a tour of Giants stadium with the legendary Giants' nose tackle Jim Burt. Ridgewood resident and auctioneer Jim McCarthy made the crowd roar with laughter as he told jokes and caused a bidding frenzy as he announced the items. The guests were incredibly generous with their bids.
After the live auction, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for: the raffle drawing of the magnificent $10,000 Eternity™ Natural Emerald Necklace, which was generously donated by Arthur Groom & Co. Mr. Groom picked a ticket at random and announced the lucky winner: Joanne LaMarca of Montclair, wife of Mr. Mathisen.
Applebee's, Arthur Groom & Co., BD, Hudson City Savings Bank, Irwin Franchise Capital, Mutual of America, Nextwave Web, Prestige Lexus, TD Banknorth, Toys 'R' Us, Inc., United Water, and Wyeth were the main sponsors of the event. "In addition to the tremendous support of our sponsors, and the generosity of the attendees, I'd like to thank our special events committee, led by Wendy Epstein," says Bob Jones, Ph.D., president & CEO, Children's Aid and Family Services. "Their hard work helped make this a successful and memorable event." The committee included: Jennifer Contrucci, Julie Dimino, Megan Dunphey, Jennifer Farrington, Martha Fickinger, Kimberly Ford, Karen Hofstetter, Kara Kennedy, Katherine Lucas, Lynn McBeth, Molly McGee, Barbara Ricciardi, Carol Smith, Eve van den Bol, Carol Whaley, Marcy Wimbish, and honorary chairs Joyce and Al Snider.
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has more than 100 years of experience in building futures for children, families, and communities. Its mission is to help children, families, and communities to heal, to learn, and to grow. For more information, please call Lyn Rumage at 201-261-2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.
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