Ocean County- No matter how politically incorrect or ‘sexist’ it may be, nearly 300 women who attended the June 23rd “Women of Distinction Annual Fashion Show and Gift Auction” at the Toms River Quality Inn,  benefiting Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ), will agree, it’s fun to see a guy in uniform!  The six sailors who escorted the models at the event and totally enjoyed ‘hamming it up’ for the crowd are attached to NSA Lakehurst stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst, under the direction of  Petty Officer 1^st Class, and Master-at-Arms Patrick McKay. 

In addition to escort duties, the sailors added to the festivities as an honor detail to meet and greet our “Women of Distinction” honorees: CBS News Reporter Magee Hickey and ABC News Anchorwoman, Diana Williams.

Guest Emcee for the event was Breeze Radio personality, Dianne DeOliveira, who introduced each model and their escort, as well as called the winning numbers of the more than 60 donated gift auction items.  Modeling  fashions from Tula “the boutique” at the Grove West in Shrewsbury and Macy’s at the Ocean County Mall were:  Melissa Clark, of The Pines at Whiting; Donna Flynn, Ocean County Office of Public Information; Sally Glick, of Sobel and Co.; Laura Nitty of TD Bank; Pat Robertson, CVCJ volunteer with Canine Caregivers Program; Betty Rod, of Latinos Unidos de New Jersey; Nina Scilliano, at DJ at B98.5 Radio; Pat Scimeca, CVCJ volunteer and owner of Patties Pretties Unique jewelry, Jackson; Catherine Wells of Wolff Samson.   In addition to McKay, escorts included Petty Officer 2^nd Class, Casey Klein; Petty Officer 2^nd Class, Tom Lego; Petty Officer 2^nd Class, Michael Rodriquez; Petty Officer 3^rd Class, Nathaniel Wade; Petty Officer 3^rd Class, David Reed.   Music for the evening was provided by DJ Russ Ferrante, The Philadelphia Entertainment Company. 

Leading off the event, was Patty Thompson , Toms River, winner of the CVCJ “Spring Fling Makeover Contest”.  Mrs. Thompson, was thrilled at winning the grand prize and the opportunity to show off her “new self” at the Fashion Show.  Mrs. Thompson’s $1,000 make-over included fashions from TULA, the Boutique at the Grove West in Shrewsbury;  a creative cut and color by Hair stylist Christina Gengaro, owner of The Style Lounge, Toms River; Make-up by Arbonne artist Heather Riccardi; and jewelry accessories by Pat Scimeca, owner of Patties Pretties, Jackson .  A highlight of the evening included video showing of Ms. Thompson’s before and during her make-over.

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CVCJ is a non-profit interfaith agency whose mission is to assist the frail and homebound elderly with everyday tasks enabling them to remain independent in their own homes.  All services provided are free.  Over 1000 volunteers assist more than 2000 senior citizens each month with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, relief for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers, reassuring telephone calls, friendly/pet visits.  CVCJ offices are located at 253 Chestnut St., Toms River and 30 Lacey Road, Whiting. For more information and to learn about volunteer opportunities, call Mary O. Malagiere, 732-505-2273 ext. 211 or visit www.caregivervolunteers.org