the biggest attraction didn't walk down the walkway at the paramus sunrise fashion show

Sunrise Fashion Show --- Saved for the end, Mayor James Tedesco appeared in a tuxedo and received applause and acclaim. The appreciation was not aimed at the Mayor, but at Haley Santos, his nine month old granddaughter who was in his arms. That cute little tyke smiled at everyone and then waved to all, a starlet! The audience oohed and aahed at the Mayor's bundle of joy and applauded Haley's responses.

The Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club under the leadership of their President, Anthony Iacono, staged their first fundraiser, a Fashion Show, at the IBEW Local 164 Training Academy corner of Century and Robin Roads. While it is too early to tell if they reached their goal of making enough money to support the Rotary GoL (Gift of Life) program, they ran out of Tricky Tray tickets and were afraid of running out of food. These were quickly replaced and supplemented. Treasurer Gary Spivak went out, bought more tickets and plenty of pizza for the volunteer staff.

Fashion Show -- Cliff Witmyer of Cliffhanger Productions, the emcee, thanked the Bergen Town Center management and stores for their support by sponsoring the show. Both The Bergen Town Center and Whole Foods gave major financial support while the stores at the Center supplied the clothes for our models. Bonnie Blu Dance Studio supplied our opening dance routines under the direction of Patti Smith.

Among the advertisers and sponsors were: Bergen Town Center, Whole Foods, IBEW Local 164, Cathy Libonati (caterer), PNC Bank, Dressbarn, Bonnie Blu Dance Studio, Denis Niland and Fred Hayo, Rotarian Dr. Mayank Ghadia, Cliffhanger Productions, Wells, Jawaorski, Liebman (Rotarian Tom Wells), Paramus Auto Mall, C. Winters Supply, Bergen Pain Management, Paramus Taxi, Montessori School, Curves of Paramus and Assemblywoman Connie Wagner

Thanks were given to Teri Duda and Alicia Martinez for supplying us with seasoned volunteers from Berkeley Paramus Campus College. They also took a table as did the IBEW, Wagner, Tedesco, PNC Bank, Wells, Jaworski, Liebman and many others. Rotarians from District 7490 also supported the Fashion Show lead by District Governor Elect Raj Bhatia.

Fashion Show - Free food, wine, beer, entertainment and prizes abounded at the gala. One of the Rotary members, Hasmukh Khatri donated over a thousand dollars worth of clothing from his manufacturing company. President Anthony Iacono, in his infinite wisdom, decreed that they would be sold for the bargain price of one dollar each. The proceeds went to the fundraiser. Iacono said the balance of unpurchased clothing would go to Irene Maury's Department of Human Services. I was able to procure a reversible red/black vest, a treasure trove.

Member Valerie Coniglio hosted the models and did a terrific job. In addition to Tedesco and baby Santos were Connie Wagner, Kathy Rinaldi, Kelly Powers, Buzz Dressel and Cathy Libonati and some of the younger generation. They all did a great job for a wonderful charity.