Red Shoe event to benefit local charity
BY Laurie Gordon
SPARTA — Dig out your red shoes and head to Lake Mohawk Country Club for live music, local vendors, a silent auction and great food on Tuesday, September 26, as BW Nice sponsors Stepping Out for DASI.
The Red Shoe Sussex is the annual charity fundraising gala of Sussex County's chapter of Business Women Networking Involving Charity and Education (BW Nice). The gala will support both BW NICE, Inc. and DASI (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services). It will be an evening to celebrate all women in business and make a difference in the lives of those in need. This event helps raise public awareness and funds to support the immediate needs of the women and children in local safe and transition housing while helping them gain dignity and hope for a new and better life.
“As a local woman and business owner, I have found BW NICE to be an incredible organization,” said Donna Price, the president of the Sussex County Chapter. “The combination of business networking with meaningful philanthropy is powerful. Stepping Out for DASI -- Red Shoe Sussex, is our inaugural fundraising event, to benefit DASI and BW NICE, Inc. to support the important work to end domestic violence. Red Shoe Sussex is going to be fun, and at the same time we are weaving in education and of course – charity.”
She added, “Red shoes are not required, but there will be a contest.”
The Red Shoe will present a chance to enjoy an evening of networking, shopping among local vendors, a fabulous buffet and cash bar, as well as live music from local musicians. Organic Sounds Acoustic will feature Philip DeFreitas on guitar and vocals and Gabriel Scholis-Fernandez on percussion. This highly energetic duo is proud to bring their talent to the stage for the Red Shoe Sussex Event. Though they are local talent, Organic Sounds Acoustic has played stages all over the tri-state area with their band Organic Sounds. DeFreitas’s powerful voice, along with popular songs choices, old and new, make for an engaging show. Blush Acoustic is a three piece, guitar, bass and vocal acoustic jam brought to the event in part by the band Blush, Sussex counties best-known secret. This trio combines familiar songs of the 80’s, 90’s and today. From the stages in NY to the Red Shoe stage, Tina Marcella’s soulful voice will captivate, while Jason Marcella accompanies her with his melodic guitar riffs, both supported by the deep rhythm of Michael Ramieri on bass.
The event will also honor a Businesswoman of the Year: someone who inspires women in the community with her leadership, energy, concern for others and commitment to business and community.
Price added, “The name for this event, The Red Shoe, came from the BW NICE logo. It symbolizes unity, strength, and empowerment as women come together for a common cause and 'raise' awareness within our communities.”
Doors will open at 5 pm for social networking and shopping.
For information or to register, visit bwnice.org/bwnice-chapter/sussex-county-red-shoe-event-a/ or find them on Facebook by searching for Red Shoe Sussex. The event also has limited space for additional advertisers, sponsors, in-kind donations, and vendors.