Program Cover

In case you haven’t heard, Sunday, May 1, 2011 was an unforgettable day. People were cheering, smiling, sharing a few emotional exchanges and uniting together to celebrate  extraordinary efforts.   Why?

The Glenpointe Marriott’s Grand Ballroom was packed for the MS Center’s 14th Annual Spring Fashion Fling.   The event raised money for patients and families living with Multiple Sclerosis with a fabulous luncheon, raffle and fashion show.

And of course, if you’re like most folks here on the east coast, the day became even more memorable later in the evening for much different reasons.

On top of it being one of the nicest days of the year weather-wise, it was great to see the whole MS  Center team in action and all the volunteers gathered again for such a worthy cause; like Susan Zurndorfer, from the MS Center, as the event Chairperson, Chris Cimino, from WNBC-TV as the Honorary Chairperson and Saks 5 Avenue providing  the fashions.

MS Center friends and VIP's: (From Left) Gabe Savarese from Biogen Idec, Marcello Pedalino from MMP Entertainment, Englewood Cliff's Mayor & HNHC Foundation Chairman- Joeseph Parisi, Susan Zurndorfer- Fashion Show Chairperson, Sandi Farrell- MS Center Volunteer, Marie Franco from The Westchester Marriott, Patrice Jungermann from The Sheraton Crossroads, Lisa Futterman from The MS Center, & Chris Cimino from WNBC TV

It was also nice to spend the afternoon with my good friend from high school, Gabe Savarese. He works for Biogen Idec, a fortune 500 company that provides research and development in the fight against neurological diseases like MS.    Biogen was a generous contributor at the event and Gabe volunteered his time to assist the patients from the MS Center who were modeling onto and off  the runway during the show.

MMP Entertainment provided the audio support for the production as well as the annual half-time performance.

Click here, if you’d like to support the MS Center and the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.  Onwards and upwards.  See you next year!   -mp

Meredith Model, Patrice Olszewski wearing Terri Jon

Nordstrom, Holy Name Hospital, WNBC’s Chris Cimino, Inserra Supermarkets and MMP Entertainment teamed up again on Saturday for the 13^th annual MS Spring Fashion Fling at the Glenpointe Marriott.

As always, the goal of the show was to raise money for the MS Center and to entertain several hundred guests by giving away fabulous prizes, treating the guests to a delicious luncheon, and of course, showing off some of the hottest fashions of the season.  Thanks to some angelic volunteers, sponsors, a dedicated staff and my professional colleagues, the 2010 event was another successful collaboration.

Meredith Model, Aida Sinusaite leads the finale wearing Sean Collection. At the podium, Maryellen Moffitt.

In addition to giving out an Iron Man II voice activated L.E.D t-shirt and a $100 cash prize to the winner of Face The Cookie, we also organized a Facebook Challenge that coincided with the show.  MMP Entertainment was delighted to welcome the 40 new fans that joined our Celebrate Life team!

One of the main attractions at the Spring Fling is the fashion show that is produced by MEM Production’s Maryellen Moffitt.  A consummate professional and couture connoisseur, Maryellen is the go-to coordinator if you want to organize a fashion-based event that’s going to dazzle the crowd.

Many of my readers know that I appreciate style, that I’m a huge fan of Nordtsrom, and that my clients and I are always attending exclusive events with various dress codes; so I asked Maryellen for her thoughts on what 2010’s line had to offer.

“As fashions change from season to season, so too do the obligations of entertaining and being entertained.  There will be times that your event will be elegant, yet not quite mandating a formal ensemble.  There will be that destination wedding that you just aren’t quite sure what the appropriate attire will be.  There will be dinner invitations where you need to be elegant, yet not over the top.  In response to the varied social whirlwind of globe hopping trendsetters like the ones in our audience, Nordstom is offering ‘Elegant Alternatives.’ Fashion that will make you look and feel glamorous, yet not require a tiara and jewels. “

MS Center's Lisa Futterman, WNBC's Chris Cimino, MS Center's Susan Zurndorfer and MMP Entertainment's Marcello

Sounds good to me.  See you all next year!

Special thanks to Patrice and Christina from the Glenpointe Marriott for their hospitality.  The accommodations and customer service were first class as usual.

MMP Entertainment will be taking $250 off of any Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Corporate Event or Private Celebration that is booked by a guest who attended this year’s fashion show.  MMP Entertainment will also match that amount and donate $250 to the MS Center for each event contracted.

If you’d like to donate your time, money, product or service to the MS Center, please contact Lisa Futterman at futterman@mail.holyname.org

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Encore Gallery:

Chris Cimino, the always-dapper meteorologist from WNBC’s Today In New York, returned to serve as honorary chairperson and co-emcee along with the  always-radiant event chairperson, Susan Zurndorfer.

The Dynamic Duo, Susan Zurndorfer and Lisa Futterman

The wonder-woman behind the entire production, Lisa Futterman, would give the energizer bunny a run for his money any day of the week.

Speaking of money, each year the MS Center puts 100% of the event proceeds towards patient care and research.

The Guests were treated to a four course lunch, a dazzling show produced by Lord & Taylor, luxurious prizes, huge raffles and a little  half-time entertainment by yours truly.

The highlight of the day was watching the models go down the runway, especially the patients who volunteered to strut their stuff and inspire everyone in attendance.

Kevin and Debbie walk the runway at the 2009 Spring Fashion Show

Kevin McCarthy, the foundation’s VP of Development and Executive Director summed up the day perfectly, ” …The mood this event generated is a testament to the MS Center and the place it has in the hearts of its patients and their families.  The dedication of its staff, physicians and volunteers is truly impressive…”

Special thanks to Patrice and Mika from the Marriot for their hospitality and professionalism.

Onwards and upwards, see you next year.