Four Local Women Host Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Walk

A pesky snowstorm wasn’t about to dampen the spirits of four local women – Gretchen Morgan, Jennifer Morris, and Tiffany Ryan, all Fair Haven, and Valerie Lenahan, Middletown – who hosted the “Save Second Base” fundraiser this Saturday night.

The quartet, all in their late 30s, held the event at the to raise pledges for the 10th annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Oct. 20 and 21 in New York City, in which they – the Lighthouse Ladies – are walking. Each walker must raise a minimum of $1,800 in pledges in addition to the $60 entry fee for the two-day, 39-mile walk around Manhattan.

This will be the third Avon walk for Morgan and Morris, who initially relied on the generosity of their family and friends for donations for their first walk. Last year, the duo held two fundraisers, a yard sale during week, and a Super Bowl pool.

“This year, we are hoping to meet the majority of our fundraising goals with this event, and will also have another yard sale in the spring,” said Morgan.

The snowstorm didn’t deter the 100 supporters who turned out for the event. Tickets were $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. The price included a free drink ticket for early attendees, a gift certificate from Holmdel Acupuncture Center to the first 20 attendees, and a goody bag for all females donated by Evolution the Salon, Monmouth Beach.

Mouthwatering foods such as jumbo shrimp cocktail, deli subs and chips and queso were donated by event sponsor, Lighthouse Counseling and Wellness Center, Inc., Eatontown, and desserts by Honey Bunch Cookies of Fair Haven were also provided.

The four women are not breast cancer survivors, rather have all been touched by someone with breast cancer. Morgan and Morris were inspired to walk following a friend of Morris’s death to breast cancer.

“Jennifer lost a dear friend from college to breast cancer, which inspired she and I to begin walking,” said Morgan, co-owner of Lighthouse, which has treated several breast cancer survivors and their families.

Morgan’s husband, Jason Stant, has an aunt who is a survivor, and Lenahan’s aunt died from breast cancer. Ryan knows a few friends who are survivors and, and is walking so she may never know anyone else who contracts the disease. Morris and Morgan began the Avon Walk three years ago to honor the memory of Morris’s friend.

“The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer felt like the ideal organization for us – we loved the positive energy, the location and, most importantly, the mission statement,” said Morgan. “We are not only delighted to walk for the third year, but are also excited to introduce two more woman to the Avon experience on its 10th anniversary.”

The women also “delighted” during the fundraiser and mingled with friends, as Lenahan roamed the hall offering guests Jell-o shots. The crowd in the subtly-lit hall enjoyed food, the bar area, and even ping pong or pool. Music for Save Second Base was graciously donated free by the Rumson-based band, Motherboard, comprised of Barry Brokaw, vocals; Jim Sharkey, guitar and vocals; Dave Ross, bass and vocals; Matt Ryan, drums; and Tony Scannell, guitar.

“I’m a groupie – I grew up with the drummer!,” said Peter Bulkley, Belmar. He was accompanied by his wife, Jenni, and the duo stood enjoying the live music.

“We’re here obviously to support the cause; to see some friends and support a good cause,” said Jenni.

“Motherboard sounded amazing! I am so grateful they donated themselves to make the evening such a fun party,” said Morris.

Save Second Base also featured a super 50/50, and a highlight was the “Basket Raffle,” featuring 14 generous gift baskets donated by local businesses, with tickets priced at $1, or $20 for 25. Motherboard was one of the featured baskets, donating free music for a private party, with a case of beer included, with a total value of $500.

“We have received so many generous gifts – we were not originally going to have raffle baskets, but as soon as our first email went out, we immediately began receiving offers from local businesses to donate items/services,” said Morgan. “The Knights of Columbus gave Lighthouse an amazing rate because of the fundraiser status.”

Admiring the several raffle baskets on tables in the hall was Kathy O’Gorman, Tinton Falls. “We’re here to support our sister, Melissa Neczesny, a breast cancer survivor with a new rack!,” said O’Gorman.

Neczesny, owner of Benny’s B&B for Dogs, Fair Haven, received praise from Morgan.

“She reached out to several local businesses to create an amazing raffle basket worth over $300,” said Morgan.

Donors to the event were Holmdel Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Center; Highgate Productions; Bonefish Grill, Middletown; Evolution the Salon, Monmouth Beach; Benny’s B&B for Dogs, Highgate Productions, Tavolo Pronto, Small Factory Productions, and Airbrush Tanning Studio, all Fair Haven; Basil T’s, and Sweetest Sin Boutique, both Red Bank; Mix’t Salon, Arch Brow Bar, and Sandi Von Pier and Sandy Paws, all Shrewsbury; Jodes Happy Tail, and Well Woman Care, both Little Silver; Nails Plus, Red Bank, Shrewsbury and Little Silver; and Bungalow Road, Avon.

Red Bank artist Cathy Corcione generously donated “Late November,” an original framed print valued at $300, and photographer Laurie Adamkiewicz, Spring Lake, donated a framed beach scene photograph valued at $125.

“People really want to help us out, which is wonderful!,” said Morris.

“I was overwhelmed with the love, support and generosity of our friends and the community of Fair Haven,” said Morris. “I feel truly blessed that so many people are invested in a cause so close to my heart. I feel that the night was an incredible success –so much so that we plan to host it again next year.”

To make a donation to the Avon New York Walk, or for more information, click here.