Getting Ready for the Ball

High temperatures couldn't dampen the high spirits of the volunteers tasked with transforming Middletown's magnificent Fairway Farm estate into a glamorous 1920's Gastby-inspired wonderland for the upcoming Monmouth County Cancer Ball. The “Roaring Twenties” gala event will take place this Saturday evening, June 11, and will honor Norma and James Tignanelli, of Holmdel.

Despite the myriad details and approaching deadline, the volunteers of the Cancer Ball committee were calm and focused.

“It's going really well,” said Carolyn Miller, of Rumson, who along with Leigh Ricker of Fair Haven is this year's Cancer Ball committee co-chair. “We've had a few minor bumps but everything's going smoothly and on schedule.”

The Cancer Ball Committee, with just over 60 volunteers, is responsible for mounting the elaborate evening. Everything from tents, tables, flooring, lighting, and decor to portable bathrooms has to be ordered, coordinated, brought in and set up.

“We're building everything from the ground up,” says Maura Abad Lowe, publicity chair. "The only original structure from the Fairway Farm estate is the gorgeous greenhouse," she says.

Drenched workers were hauling tables, stacking chairs, securing stakes, and manicuring the grounds in near-record heat. Two enormous tents for the evening's outdoor dinner and dancing had already been erected. The white “Gatsby” tent has windows and crystal chandeliers. The other will recreate the aura of a 1920's “Speakeasy” complete with a custom-made bar created just for this occasion by lead carpenter Rick Crisp. Vintage liquor bottles from the Prohibition era will serve as votive candle holders in specially created nooks.

The sold out event begins at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and a VIP reception in the Gatbsy tent. A gourmet sit-down dinner for 600 guests will be catered by Abigail Kirsch of New York City.

Three live bands will kept guests dancing throughout the evening. Two 1920's style musical groups The Minsky Sisters and Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society will set the Jazz Age mood, and contemporary band New Life Crisis will rock into the night.

Silent and live auctions feature an impressive array of prizes. Tempting items include a luxury one-week trip to Cabo San Lucas in a 3 bed/3 bath condo; a 2 bed/ 2 bath Breckenridge package for 4 to 6 lucky people; a chance to drive the Zamboni at a NJ Devils game; a trip in the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ blimp; a tour of the Jets locker room to meet with players (clothed, we hope), and a Bon Jovi guitar among many others.

Event organizers will raffle off $25,000 worth of gold. Only 1000 tickets are available. Tickets are $100 and there's still time to purchase, even if you're not attending.

At the end of the evening, each couple will receive a stuffed gift bag. The bags are from Seabags, creators of tote bags made out of repurposed sails, designed specifically for the Cancer Ball. The retail price of the bag alone is $100.

Now in its 44th year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Ball raises funds to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to eradicate cancer, according to a prepared statement. The Monmouth County Cancer Ball is the largest single-evening fundraising event in New Jersey and ranked 7th nationally. Since 2000 alone, the Cancer Ball has raised nearly $15 million in the fight against cancer.

Donations to the American Cancer Society can still be made by calling 732 758-8259 or visiting their website www.cancerball.org.