Recently, the Ezra Abraham To Life Foundation held an elegant fashion show and Chinese Auction at the magnificent home of Gayle and Brian Krost. With a beautiful day and an admirable cause to support, a tremendous turnout resulted.
Ezra Abraham A”H started the To Life Foundation by selling green rubber “pray for Ezra” bracelets. One of Eddie’s goals was to raise money to support the causes that helped him. With the firm belief that one person can make a difference, Eddie’s spirit showed that no goal is out of reach. The foundation is currently completing their first To Life Teen and Young Adult Room in Monmouth Medical Center, which will be equipped with computers, arcades, ping-pong tables and all sorts of fun and interesting things for the patients. The room will provide the patients with a place where they can establish social groups with other teens who face the same challenges as they do. A program has also been developed to provide various therapies to patients and their families. The next project will entail decorating the children’s hospital rooms.
Guests were greeted to an artistically created Chinese Auction. A delicious lunch was provided for all the guests to enjoy.
The Hats Off to Life Fashion show featured upscale and elegant fashions, gorgeous jewelry by David Rudy, and the emcee expertise of Lynda Levy. Stunning models, young and old, proudly walked the runway wearing hats of all shapes and sizes, donated to the Hats Off to Life Foundation.
Hats Off to Life is a chapter of the Ezra Abraham A”H To Life Foundation run by Eddie’s cousin Margie Bijou. The hats are part of a private collection that is made up of mostly vintage dress hats. Some of the hats have also been donated by people who no longer have a need for them. The hats are basically rented out for a donation fee. When Eddie passed away, Eddie’s mom, Susan, gave Margie two of his favorite hats to help raise money. Women drop their hats off regularly, and they have so much sentimental value. Word got around and the collection quickly grew to approximately 200 hats! Many of the models were chosen after generously donating their own hats. Each wore a hat from the collection, and some wore their own clothes. Margie’s collection of hats has now surpassed 500.
So many women who attended that day are a tremendous part of Hats Off to Life. Hats off to Life is about people. These women are giving more than just money; they are giving of themselves. Hats Off to Life would like to thank all of their sponsors for the day, and all the models, stylists and volunteers who gave so much time and energy to Eddie’s cause. Thank you to Paula Bekar for supplying the pictures. It started with just one green bracelet and one green hat. Eddie inspired others to become doers, and to give of themselves. To borrow or donate a hat, contact Margie Bijou at hatsofftolife@aol.com.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
