For South Jersey-based salon owner, Martino Cartier, October holds special meaning. Each year during the month, his charity, Friends Are By Your Side, holds their annual gala and fundraiser known as “A Night of Wigs and Wishes” in support of cancer patients. This year’s event, which is set to be held on October 23, is shaping up to be one of the most rewarding yet.
“Everyone leaves this night changed for the better. People leave jaw dropped. It’s a high energy, emotional evening that brings help to each person involved with the charity,” Cartier said.
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Friends Are By Your Side helps bring comfort and support to those who are battling cancer. Children of all ages ask for certain wishes as they live out the rest of their days with the terminal illness. From playing basketball with Shaq to an opportunity for singing lessons, each wish is seemingly granted one after another. For women who are going through chemotherapy, Cartier and his network of salons provide wigs. These wigs help brighten the spirits of the courageous women battling cancer.
The event itself brings people from all walks of life together to help raise the thousands of dollars it takes to grant terminally ill children their last wishes. Additionally, as attendees gather at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin, NJ, it is a night to remember those who have passed away, celebrate those still fighting and raise money for the future children who will benefit from this charity.
“This year, things will be a little bit different. We will have a tribute to the kids that we lost. We’re going to let everybody have a great time during the cocktail hour, but still remind them why they are there.” Cartier said.
A Night of Wigs and Wishes also features appearances by special celebrity guests. While this year’s celebrity attendees have yet to be announced, past appearances have included Heather Thompson from Real Housewives, American Idol season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, and Paula Abdul from So You Think You Can Dance. The night also includes a surf and turf dinner, a cocktail hour, a program of speeches, live wish granting, and women receiving wigs. The main event typically concludes with raffle prizes and dessert; after the dinner presentation, the popular after party moves into full swing.
Those interested in purchasing tickets — either for themselves or a group — can do so by visiting the Wigs and Wishes website. Tickets for both dinner and the after party cost $160.00 (plus an additional fee of $12.75). For those unable to attend who still wish to contribute to the cause, Friends Are by Your Side takes donations. (They are 100% nonprofit.)
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Friends Are By Your Side
