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Raising funds to combat breast cancer

| 26 Oct 2016 | 02:03
    The hostess with the mostest; Nicole Chiong calls the raffle winners at her breast cancer fundraiser PHOTOS BY ROSE SGARLATO
    The hostess with the mostest; Nicole Chiong calls the raffle winners at her breast cancer fundraiser PHOTOS BY ROSE SGARLATO
    Christine Villamor wins new handbag and scarf donated by Robyn Bivona
    Christine Villamor wins new handbag and scarf donated by Robyn Bivona
    From left, Elissa Marcus of Beciga, Robyn Gueci of Thirty One Gifts, Nicole Chiong of NPower PT, Sissy Barg of Arbonne, Pattie Murphy of Arbonne and Marie Jurewicz of Touchstone Crystal.
    From left, Elissa Marcus of Beciga, Robyn Gueci of Thirty One Gifts, Nicole Chiong of NPower PT, Sissy Barg of Arbonne, Pattie Murphy of Arbonne and Marie Jurewicz of Touchstone Crystal.
    The evening’s raffle prizes donated by local businesses and individuals to raise money for Susan G.Komen Foundation.
    The evening’s raffle prizes donated by local businesses and individuals to raise money for Susan G.Komen Foundation.

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA – Inspired by her friend Janet who lost a battle to breast cancer at the age of 31, Sparta resident Nicole Chiong hosted a fundraiser at her home on Oct. 20 to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
“It will be 11 years ago this December that Janet is gone,” said Chiong. “She was the first person in my life but not the last unfortunately to die from cancer. And I haven't done anything in her honor in quite some time.”
Put together in about two weeks, Chiong was overwhelmed with the amount of support she received from local businesses and friends. Using her client contacts as owner of NPower Personal Training and community contacts, she put together an exciting showcase including a raffle along with a variety of jewelry, fashion and home décor purchasable items.
“ I wanted to emphasize women helping women. So I started asking places in town that I frequent that were owned by women to donate gift cards and baskets for a raffle, and then I just kept asking,” she said. “And every single woman I asked didn't hesitate –a true testament to the nature of this community. “
Vendors donated their net profits to the evening, and most guests purchased a $20 raffle upon entry leading to a grand total of $2,000.
Thrilled with the attendance and support of the evening, Chiong is planning to make it an annual event:
“It was so much fun and I have the best group of women that surround me. Family, friends and clients were all here to pitch in and most importantly donate to the cause. You could feel the love in the room that night. Janet will always be with me, and it felt good to do something for my friend in her memory. “
Chiong provided the following lists.
Vendors who donated proceeds on purchases made that evening: Robyn Gueci of Thirty One; Elissa Marcus of Beciga Clothing; Pattie Ann Murphy of Arbonne; Nikki Cowburn of Nicola’ s Candles.
The following local businesses and individuals donated raffle prizes: Music Together Sing A Song NJ; The Centre for Dance Artistry; Rachel's TLC Nails; Shelter; Sparta Book Store; Oasis Salon and Spa; Spavia; Garlic and Oil; Studio Vitality; Yoga Youniverse; Pink Elephant Parties; Homer's Restaurant; Miriam's House Cleaning; Image Care Centers; Robyn Bivona; HeartBeads bracelets; NPower Personal Training; Beciga Clothing; Touchstone Crystal jewelry.
Catering for the evening was donated by: Berry Sweet creations; Krave Restaurant; Pattycakes; Green Life Market.