Toys-for-Tots and Local Charities Receive a Bounty of Joy!
 

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LAUWE - META4 COMMUNICATIONS

Chapter Members, invited guests and generous sponsors recently gathered to celebrate the Chapter’s 26th Annual Christmas Dinner and Toys-for-Tots Holiday event. The gala affair was held at the Fiesta in Wood-Ridge, NJ on December 5, 2018.

Members continued the Chapter’s long tradition of donating a bounty of unwrapped toys for distribution to area children. Over the past 25 years, the Chapter has been able to distribute over 5,800 toys to local charities. This year the Chapter donated $1,000 to the First Choice Women’s Resource Centers which is used to purchase goods for babies in crisis. Through the 50/50 raffle, the Chapter provided a donation of $720 to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa, NJ.
 

The splendid holiday event began with a magnificent cocktail reception. Members gathered to share the holiday season while enjoying an open bar and an endless variety of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres followed by a full course “surf ‘n turf” dinner. Members were treated to an evening of fabulous music provided by the Cindi Rand Band. The night was capped off by the traditional visit from Santa and his helpers who delivered a special gift to all!

Chapter Past President Grace Cruz-Beyer began the “formal” Holiday program by welcoming Members, guests and sponsors to the event and lead the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. Chapter Past President John Klimowich followed by offering the traditional invocation followed by a word from current Chapter President Salvatore Zerilli. Immediate Past President Stephen Feehan then offered a champagne toast to wish everyone an enjoyable Holiday season. Grace completed the formal program by introducing each of the Chapter Past Presidents in attendance who all received a warm welcome from the Membership for their contributions to the Chapter.

Members and guests provided the most enjoyable entertainment of the evening by joining the Cindi Rand Band for “live” karaoke. Participants from various Member banks joined lead vocalist and Chapter Past President Cindi Rand in renditions of Holiday classics that made the entire evening “Merry and Bright”. The opportunity for Members to “perform” with a band of world-class musicians provided a memorable experience for all.

The evening would not have been complete without a visit from Santa who made a grand appearance direct from the North Pole ... in high heels? (You HAD to be there!) Santa greeted everyone with a jolly smile and made sure that Santa’s elves provided a special gift for all as a lasting memory of this special evening.

The Chapter's Holiday Celebration offers the opportunity for Members to enjoy fantastic musical entertainment, caroling, karaoke, as well as providing a better Christmas for underprivileged youngsters and needy moms. Make your plans now to join us next year for another wonderful Holiday experience!

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View the sponsorship slideshow as displayed at the event in PDF format.

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Be sure to view the photo galleries below to relive the event as captured by our roving photographer.