Second Annual Wigs and Wishes Gala With Paula Abdul

Neil Grossman, chief investment officer for TKNG Capital Partners, and Mindy Grossman, CEO of the Home Shopping Network. Mindy received the Heart of Gold Award for her philanthropy and commitment to FABYS.

From left: Dana Jordan and Lisa Lacovara, who helped throw the very successful second annual Wigs and Wishes gala.

From left: Jason and Jenny Stephen with Tany Oteri and Carlos Alexis.

From left: Martino Cartier, Paula Abdul and Josie Zetz. You may not know Josie Zetz’s name, but I’m sure you saw the viral video and article about her and her dad Jim Zetz, 62, who had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Josie was lamenting to her mom (Grace) that her father wouldn’t be there to walk her down the aisle when she got married. As a surprise at Josie’s 11th birthday, Grace created a mock wedding so Jim could walk her down the aisle complete with wedding dress, photographers and videographer. When Martino saw the story he contacted them and through “Friends By Your Side” paid for the “honeymoon” at Disney World.

From left: Lorry Maccherone, owner at Fruit Valley Farms, and Maryann Zagorski.

From left: Damon Wilson, Gianna Liveratore, Josina Streanieri, and Chris Messenger.

Mark and Michelle Carbonara.

From left: Angela Malicki, Jennifer Magro, and Jacqueline Mattia.

Tracy Dimarco-Epstein, Jerseylicious and expecting a baby February 2015, with AJ Mattia, who planned the event with Martino Cartier along with an army of volunteers.

From left: Brock Worrell, Joe Roth of Shyne Jewelers, Anna Khaif (wearing a $10,000 bracelet, ring and earrings which were raffled off at the end of the night,) and Alex Hernandez.

Tracy Dimarco-Epstein (left) and Gayle Giacomo from Jerseylicious with Joe Gaglioti (second from left) and Joe Mastelia.

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When Brenda’s mom (seated on stage) was first diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer, she didn’t want treatment; Brenda took her to Martino’s hair salon for a consultation and pep talk. One of the things they discussed was all the different wig options as well as putting her in touch with others going through the same thing. At the opening of the gala there was a fun scene where Brenda’s mom tried on many variations of wigs all while Martino is singing "You Look Beautiful."

Josie Zetz hadn’t cut her hair since her father walked her down the aisle in April. Tonight Martino cut it on stage so that she could donate it to “Friends Are By Your Side” in order to make a wig for someone.

Martino Cartier invited a few of the young ladies on stage to tell their stories and share the wishes that they were granted. If you look closely, you can see all their beautiful wigs which were donated by “Friends Are By Your Side.” Paula Abdul was on hand to greet them too.

The stunning ballroom at Lucien Manor decorated by Abbott Florist.

After the gala, an afterparty was held in another ball room. Over 300 additional guests paid $35 to attend the dance party with a surprise appearance by Renee Marino from the movie Jersey Boys. The crowd danced the night away to the tunes of The Don't Call Me Francis Band.