Special to The News

PITTSGROVE - The South Jersey Healthcare (SJH) Foundation's 8th Annual Fashion Show and Fair was recently held at the Centerton Country Club. Nearly 500 people enjoyed the fashionable evening, supporting the SJH Foundation's mission of providing renewable financial resources for SJH and enhancing health care in southern New Jersey for generations to come. Century Savings Bank was the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row and all proceeds benefit the SJH Foundation.

"Thanks to the support of Century Savings Bank along with our talented local models and many area clothiers and vendors, we were able to put on another truly unique event while contributing to the health care needs of our region," said Carolyn Heckman, Executive Director of the SJH Foundation.

Guests had the opportunity to enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and shopping prior to the show with 35 area businesses in the Fashion Fair. Shoppers browsed vendor tables for items including beauty supplies, housewares, jewelry, accessories, chocolates, and more. Everyone in attendance also had a chance to win door prizes and enter a 50/50 drawing, awarded at the end of the evening. Featured clothiers for the show included Alanna's, Bebe, Boscov's, Cach, Dress Barn, Ideal Fashions, Juvante Formal Wear, Moda Liz, Marshall's, Rienzi Bridal Salon, Tahari Collections and Twice Loved Treasures.

The models were chosen during a Model Search on Sept. 12, held at Lakeside Middle School, in Millville. More than 50 local men and women were chosen to model the clothes and accessories presented during the fashion show. Notable models included N.J. Assemblyman Matthew Milam, Cumberland County freeholder William Whelan, Vineland Mayor Robert Romano, and Millville Mayor Tim Shannon. New this year, three deserving makeover winners chosen from three different age groups also took part in the show. The winners, nominated by family members or friends, received a spa treatment and makeover at Utopia Salon and Day Spa to look their best as they modeled the new fashions.

"We truly love this event. Every year it creates a strong sense of community and raises funds to help ensure high-quality health care services for everyone in our region," said Eileen Hallisey, chairperson of the SJH Foundation Board of Directors.

Century Savings Bank, presenting sponsor, has been a leader in community banking since 1865 as a mutual savings bank with locations in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties. Century Savings Bank offers South Jersey residents Community Banking Plus through the combination of traditional banking products including checking, savings and personal and commercial loans, with the latest in banking technology including online banking, online bill-pay and 24-hour telephone banking services. For more information, visit www.centurysb.com.

The South Jersey Healthcare Foundation is the fundraising entity of South Jersey Healthcare, a premiere healthcare provider in southern New Jersey with hospitals in Vineland, Elmer and Bridgeton and a regional cancer center in Vineland. The Foundation is dedicated to establishing renewable financial resources that provide dollars for needed programs and services and to ensure the continued growth of an endowment fund for the support of South Jersey Healthcare. For more information about the South Jersey Healthcare Foundation, including donation information and volunteer opportunities, please call 691-6551.