With candles lit and tearful faces, A Night of Wigs and Wishes remembered those who lost their lives over the last year to cancer. The October 23 event, held at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin Township, raised thousands of dollars to help grant wishes to cancer-stricken children and provide wigs to women going through chemotherapy. This year marked the 4th Annual Night of Wigs and Wishes event.
The evening, powered by the Friends Are By Your Side (FABYS) charity, kicked off with a cocktail hour and auction. While guests enjoyed table after table of appetizers and cocktails from the many different bars, donations poured in; both from the sales of raffle tickets and champagne glasses. As dinner kicked off in the main ballroom, guests were treated to a private concert by Paula Abdul, as well as video tributes to those who were lost this year during battles with cancer.
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A Night (of Wigs and Wishes) to Remember
As the show carried on throughout the night, lives were remembered as families who lost children spoke on the difference the FABYS charity makes in the lives of kids who battle cancer, and women who received wigs found the words to thank the organization for making them feel beautiful again.
Martino Cartier, owner of Martino Cartier Salon and the founder of FABYS, spoke multiple times during the evening as he played emcee. The event serves as the sole fundraiser for the charity, which provides children their last wishes and gives women wigs as they battle through chemotherapy.
After the speeches and awards, the evening wrapped up with a “throw down.” During this five minute throw down period, money was collected from each person in the room with no limit to the dollar amount. As many of the celebrity guests counted each donation, Cartier spoke on how life-changing the Wigs and Wishes event has become.
“There is no red tape. We have one paid employee. All this money raised tonight goes right back into the charity. This money will help grant wishes and purchase wigs.” Cartier said.
Raising Money for a Great Cause
From the throw down alone, over $9,000 was raised. Though the final tally of donations, auctions, and ticket sales is not yet determined, Cartier deemed the night a success. However, the success of the event is not solely determined by the money raised; As Cartier granted a wish for a little girl to visit Walt Disney World, she threw her arms around his neck and exclaimed, “I love you, Martino!”
Now that the event is over, it’s time for the planning crew to take a small break. But big plans are being worked on for the fifth annual event, coming October 2017.
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Top (Hero) Image and Gallery Photo Credits: © Megan Roche / Best of NJ
Other Photos (in Order) Courtesy:
“Table Bouquet” / Christine St. Augustine
“Paula Abdul” & “Group Photo” / John Love
“Red Carpet”/ Daniel Charnitsky Sr.
