Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey - A Faith In Action Program

June 27, 2008

Women of Distinction Strut Their Stuff For Good Cause

Women Of Distinction Strut Their Stuff For Good Cause
By Jo Ann La Russo

Eight Ocean County Women of Distinction exchanged their everyday business suits to model a summer collection of clothing that included city shorts, palazzo pants and Pucci prints.

A fashion show and dessert buffet was held on Thursday honoring Women of Distinction of Ocean County, hosted by the Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, a non-profit agency with over 1,000 volunteers who assist seniors.

"Women of Distinction are women within our community who have made accomplishments in their careers and are also involved in the community," said Judi Dawson, director of development and chair of the event that took place at the Beachwood Community Center, 147 Compass Avenue.

Among the honorees who modeled in the Caregiver Catwalk Women of Distinction Fashion Show were Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford, Sergeant Cynthia E. Boyd of the Prosecutor's Office, D. Jane Maloney of the Ocean County Officeof Senior Services, Ocean County Legal Services' Maria LaFace, Regional Vice President of Investors Savings Bank Victoria Maglicane, Vice President of Business development at Bartley Healthcare Trish Mazejy and Lorraine Morreale, personal as- sistant to Jan Kokes, president of the Kokes organization.

Arline Oberst, author of "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul," and Lynette Whiteman, executive director of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, emceed the event, which was attended by over 100 women, many of them familiar faces in the community.

Toms River Township's first lady, Carol Kelaher, was also among the honorees as coordinator with St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.

As the professional women hit the runway, they said that although the event was for a good cause, they were having a lot of fun.

"This is just great," said LaFace and Morreale as they put the final touches on their makeup and hairdos.

LaFace, wearing a black and white print dress, twirled around like a pro while Maloney modeled a mint green blouse with a portrait neckline that complimented her dangling earrings. Morreale sported a pair of sunglasses with her city shorts and print top. All the women said it felt good for a change to glam up for the evening. "This is so much fun," Morreale said.

Lynch Ford modeled a brown and gold crepe blouse and Maglicane was stunning in turquoise. The audience of women cheered and applauded when Boyd made her entrance in a floor length gown. Mazejy looked like a teen wearing a denim jacket and a beaded top.

The Dress Barn in Toms River provided the outfits for the fashion show, said Whiteman.

The audience enjoyed dessert and coffee at their tables in the community center and throughout the fashion show, raffle prizes were announced to the delight of the winners, among them Emily Yuengling, who received a beauty basket, and Pat Daugh, who won a large potted plant.

Caregivers provide free service to Ocean County senior citizens. Although there is no income eligibility for services, seniors must be no longer able to drive a vehicle and in need of assistance. Services include shopping for groceries, driving people to medical appointments and providing respite for those caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other related ailments.

"The Caregivers' work is so important," said Kelaher, a Caregiver board member. "We serve more than 2,000 people a month."

Ocean County has the second highest senior population in the country, second only to Dade County in Florida, said Whiteman.

"This was so much fun. I am grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success," said Whiteman following the show. "Caregivers is here to help the senior citizens of Ocean County."