By: Barbara Batesko, President of Team Zoey the NJ Chapter of The Progeria Research Foundation
Friday evening, March 28, was another example of Lakers helping Lakers. This date marks the fifth year that students of Mountain Lakes organized a spectacular, professional fashion show to raise money for charity, but it was the fourth year that they chose Team Zoey/ Progeria as the beneficiary of their efforts. I am so proud to announce that the students raised over $7,000 for The Progeria Research Foundation!
It has become somewhat of a tradition that the responsibility of the fashion show is handed down to a senior girl who heads the committee. This year, the honor went to Giselle Foster along with seniors, Kate Moreau and Maddi Harris. There were also six other underclassmen that participated as committee members. The fashion show took months to plan and was completely organized by Mountain Lakes students.
More than 70 students modeled fashions from Robin’s Closet, Lord & Taylor, Jos.A.Bank and 580 South. In addition, Fusion Spa, Atelier Salon, The Lounge Hair Studio, Lucia C. Salon and fellow student, Gwenny Schiller, generously donated the hair and make up to get the students ready for the show.
It is from these wonderful events like the Mountain Lakes High School Fashion Show that Team Zoey has been able to raise close to $1,400,000 in just four years. Children with Progeria die of heart disease at an average age of 13 – much like the ages of the students who participated in the show. Team Zoey’s mission is to raise money and spread awareness of Progeria. The Progeria Research Foundation’s mission is to find treatments and a cure for this devastating disease.
Thank you to the Mountain Lakes community for continuing to support Team Zoey’s fundraising efforts. We could not do it without you!!
Together We WILL Find the Cure!
