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From the Sunday Star Ledger - January 23, 2005
Survivor Stays in Fight
Against Breast Cancer
ELIZABETH
MOORE
But Cook, who has been an advocate for breast cancer
research after facing her own battle with the
disease seven years ago, had a better idea. "I told her I would be willing to donate the entire proceedings," he said. "I thought it was a worthwhile cause." Tempesta said the mayor's ball — an annual charity fund-raiser — generally raises at least $10,000 a year, a much bigger sum than the typical $1,000 spent on a retirement dinner. He said previous mayor's soirees have been used to pay for programs for the developmentally disabled, including a summer camp program and social nights, a holiday party for local disabled residents, and for programs at James Caldwell High School. "This is the first time we've dedicated our proceeds to one foundation," he said. Cook said she jumped at the mayor's offer and is spending her free time organizing the March 11 ball with other committee members. While she doesn't have a specific fund-raising goal, she hopes to sell at least 300 tickets. Cook said she was drawn to the Komen Foundation because money donated to it pays for research and helps provide health care for the uninsured. "They provide mammograms for women who can't afford them," she said. This year's ball is being held at the Greenbrook Country Club in North Caldwell and starts with a 7 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by a dinner and dancing to live music. Tickets are $125 per person, but there will be no auctions or other fund-raising at the ball itself, Cook said. Information about the tickets or making a donation to the ball is available by calling the West Caldwell Municipal Building.
"It's a great time, it's a fun, wonderful party," said Debbie Podvey, one of the volunteers organizing the ball. The volunteer committee — which includes Susan Aiello and Maria Rampinelli — is planning to decorate the ballroom in pink and ask those who attend to consider wearing something pink — because that is the signature color for breast cancer awareness. Rampinelli, the former president of West Essex Kiwanis, said the ball has a special meaning for her because she also is a breast cancer survivor. "I thought it was wonderful," she said of the mayor's idea. "I wanted to do anything I could." Because her cancer was discovered through a routine mammogram, she supports the Komen Foundation's goals of promoting breast cancer education and out-reach. Barbara Waters, director of education and outreach for the Komen Foundation office in Summit, said money donated from the mayor's ball will be divided between the national foundation for research and the local affiliate, which gave out 29 grants last year to New Jersey health care centers to pay for mammograms for low-income women. "Seventy-five percent of the money stays in our community to fund breast health programs and screenings," she said. Waters said the North Jersey affiliate serves nine counties in Northern New Jersey. She praised Cook for choosing the Komen Foundation as the recipient for the mayor's ball. "We're very excited by it." For Cook, 55, the ball is a nice way to end her years on the council. She was the second councilwoman in West Caldwell's history, and the driving force behind getting the gazebo built at Crane Park and organizing the annual summer concert series there. "I loved it," she said. "It was absolutely my pleasure."
Elizabeth Moore covers West Caldwell. She can be reached at (973) 392-1852 or emoore@starledger.com.
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