Fashion Show to Benefit Local Non-profits Set for Monday

Open Arms, a women’s community service group in Toms River, is scheduled to hold its 22nd Annual Fashion Show and Gift Auction to raise money for two non-profit organizations on Monday, Oct. 3.

According to Open Arms co-chair, Barbara Cuccarese, there will be something for everyone at the event.

For $45 per ticket, Cuccarese said that attendees will get a four course meal, musical entertainment, the ability to participate in the gift auction (featuring a wide collaboration of items put together by the ladies), and a fashion show that will feature a range of women’s fashions for women in their 20s to 50s and up.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at the Ramada Inn of Toms River located at 2373 Rt. 9. Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to enter the 50/50 and a dine-a-round, where they can take a chance on winning gift certificates for area restaurants.

Cuccarese said that the name of the organization who puts on the fashion show is called Journey Productions.

According to the company’s website, its approach “combines upbeat musical entertainment with stylish fashions for women of every type. The fashions include an array of styles ranging from smart and sassy sportswear, classic comfortable career wear, fun and funky party attire, along with exquisite, elegant evening gowns.”

“They bring their own models and music of two or three musicians that comes to sing,” Cuccarese said. “Each segment of the program is a different level of fashion going from sporty looks to more formal looks.”

Cuccarese said that Open Arms is based out of Toms River and it meets once a month and run events during the year.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it’s our 22nd annual,” Cuccarese said of the organization which includes a group of about 20 women.

All of the profits from this event will go to support CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties, a 24-hour crisis hotline and , a safe haven for youth.

Sid Colvin, the executive director of Ocean's Harbor House said Open Arms has been helping his organization ever since its doors opened in 1988.

“Not only have they helped get the word out about our services but they helped raise a lot of money to help keep some of our services in place,” Colvin said. “Like many non-profits, we have been hit hard with the economy and donations are down and unfortunately all this comes at a time when we need it most.”

Colvin went on to say that Ocean's Harbor House is committed to being a safe place for youth. It primarily works with children in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

“We provide a safe place for the homeless and provide outreach and transitional living programs, Colvin added.

CONTACT is too a non-profit. According to its website, it provides trained telephone listeners who respond to human needs 24 hours every day.

“We’ve been doing this for a long time and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to these charities,” Cuccarese said.

To purchase tickets in advance for the fashion show, call Open Arms at (732) 674-8523.