Star Dog: Give Back New Jersey Event

I am so excited to share all the details of the "Give Back New Jersey" event Star Dog hosted last week.

It all started with an idea. Since it had been an honor, in the past, to donate t-shirts to kids in Mexico and Oklahoma City, we wanted to give back a little closer to home. We shared our "Give Back New Jersey" concept with Family Promise and Women Aware and they loved it!!

So let's celebrate! I mentioned it to my hair stylist, Christine, who owns a nearby Salon/Boutique with her sister, Joann. Without hessitation they offered their space for the event. I felt so blessed to be hosting my event at Bottega Salon and Boutique.

Now let's hope, cross my fingers, that people would want to come. I sent out invites and my excitement mounted as the RSVP's started coming in. I realized "We were having a party!"

I reached out for sponsors. Beauty from Inside and Out and Arbonne representitive, Angela Christou jumped on board to be a part of the event.

The week of the event, I was busy ordering champagne, finalizing the food and shopping for plates, napkins and decorations. Planning it much like I was having any other party I would have in my own home.

I made extensive lists to keep myself organized. I would find myself crossing a few things off my list only to add on a few more. But still I was calm and getting everything done.

Then 3 days before the big day, I get the big news that Melissa Gorga of The Real Housewives of New Jersey was excited about our cause and wanted to stop by to support. I thought I'd have a heart attack.

This was no longer an ordinary party I would have at my home...

The night was a whirlwind, with champagne flowing all night and guests enjoying chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes by BabyCakes by Janet and TraciAnn cookies.

Some of my oldest and dearest friends came out to support and my family traveled great distances to be by my side.

Bottega Boutique displayed their beautiful jewelry, hair accessories, clutches, hats, and scarves.

Melissa Gorga not only graciously took photo's with everyone, but she stayed the entire evening and mingled with the crowd.

Our other celebrity guest included Reality Star Kalyn Braun from Big Rich Texas, NYC socialite Eric Andrew, Fashion designer Jazmin Brown, Project Runway model Lea Ranells, Rap Artist Vnova, and Author Qwana Reynolds.


Kalyn Braun and Eric Andrew

Jazmin Brown and Lea Rannells

Qwana Reynolds and Vnova

Fashion Bloggers,Yessenia Ramos and Cara Zamorski covered the buzz of the evening and photographers Stephanie Ferrante, Chris Zamorski and Adam Akin captured the special memories of the night.

As the night progressed, I was giddy with the roar of everyone networking, laughing and having a great time. It was inspiring being in a room full of so many people passionate about helping children! It was beyond what i could have ever imagined.

It can't go without mention, an important part of the evening was the attendance of Family Promise representatives. I was proud to introduce them to all our guest, after all they were the reason we were all there.

Our t-shirts designed by Y not promotions in Paterson were a hit. We sold 40 shirts that night - which means we get get to donate 40 brand new t-shirts to the children at Family Promise and Women Aware!!

Yes we had a fun memorable evening, but I want to take this moment to remind everyone why we all came together...The victims of homelessness are the children, who have no control over the decisions that put them there and no power to change their circumstances. At Star Dog, we know we cannot meet all the needs of homeless children, but the ability to provide them with clothing can remove just one stress factor for these kids.

Our party may be over, but there are still so many kids who need us. Please continue to help us spread the word.

Thank you again to all the wonderful people who came and to our fabulous sponsors for their support in making this event happen. Xxoo

Have fun looking through the pictures. Here are some of my favorites: