ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—On June 5, the Englewood Chamber of Commerce and VUE magazine presented “Driving Fashion,” an evening of glamour and great food to benefit the Bergen Family Center (BFC), the renowned Englewood organization that has been helping families and strengthening communities since 1898.
From 6 to 9 p.m., the showroom of Audi Town Motors on South Dean Street in Englewood was filled with dozens of local residents and visitors. Special guests included Mayor Michael Wildes and Amy Wildes, Mitch Schonfeld, Harry Martin, Scott Reddin, Aleta Frezzell and Jeff Carter. Ottawa Senators hockey player, Nick Ebert, made a special appearance.
As soon as guests entered the Audi showroom, they were immersed in glamour as a DJ from Cloud 9 Entertainment filled the room with music. High-end vodka, beer and wine were dispensed-at various bars. People enjoyed the delicious buffet and passed hors d’oeuvres catered by Stirling Tavern in Morristown, as stunning models Kim, Krystina and Mia strolled around selling raffle tickets.
Representatives from the event sponsors Englewood Chamber of Commerce, Investors Bank and New Jersey Eye and Ear were on hand to chat with people. Some sponsors also had exhibits with giveaway items, such as Englewood Health and Amazing Lash.
Mayor Wildes congratulated the show’s producers, VUE co-founders Jason Underberg and Brian Kovener and welcomed everyone.
“Thank you for shopping, and thank you for coming and supporting Englewood,” said Wildes. “Please keep it strong. We are a home for everybody!”
A vice chair of the Bergen Family Center, Jayanne Tedesco, gave an overview of the BFC’s history and admirable work.
“We take care of families, that’s our mission. What distinguishes us in not only what we do but how we do it. Our focus is proactive programs that help people manage their lives and give them freedom to do it in a way that is productive. We provide affordable care for children in nursery, pre-school after-school programs that talk about leadership and responsibility. We also take care of senior citizens and families. We cast a very wide net for this community.”
At 7:30, the much-anticipated fashion show began, and it did not disappoint. Male and female models walked the runway wearing clothing from high-end Englewood men’s and women’s boutiques. Participating stores were Vero Uomo, Y2 Collection, Bendini, MIRI, Reve Boutique, The Engle Shop, Florentina Boutique and GITO. DaVinci Hair Salon and Chez Nous Salon provided hair and makeup for the models.
The store owners as well as the guests gave the fashion show high marks.
Carol Rauscher, president of the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, one of the event’s main sponsors, explained why.
“This fashion show is important because it highlights men’s and women’s stores in Englewood that are unique,” said Rauscher. “Eighty percent of the guests here tonight are not even from Englewood. They come from all over Bergen County and beyond because of our stores and the one-of-a-kind merchandise that they offer that cannot be found anywhere else. The Chamber of Commerce is focusing on supporting our stores and bringing people from all over to Englewood so they can see all that we have here.”
Photos by Hillary Viders