The 3rd Annual Hats Off to Life Fashion Show

The atmosphere was electric; familiar models were dressed beautifully. These gorgeous women gave their all for the 3rd Annual Hats Off To Life Fashion Show, a beneficial summer event. In the beautiful Berkeley Hotel in Asbury Park, hundreds of women attended one of the most anticipated events of the summer. After many hours of hard work, the afternoon proved to be the event of the summer, with superb fashions, and, of course, divine hats.

Ezra Abraham, A”H, started the To Life Foundation by selling green, rubber bracelets with the text “pray for Ezra” stamped on them. One of Eddie’s goals was to raise money to support the causes that helped him. Holding firm to the belief that one person can make a difference, Eddie showed that no goal is out of reach.

In August of 2009, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held after the organization had completed their first To Life teen and young adult room in Monmouth Medical Center. The teen room is equipped with computers, arts and crafts, books and whatever else might interest the youths who use it. The room provides patients with a place where they can establish social connections 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.

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 vintage dress hats and hats that have been donated by people that no longer have a need for them. Margie and her team take these hats and customize them for each and every customer. The hats are then basically rented out for a donation fee. Women drop off their hats regularly. Some have a great deal of sentimental value.

Affectionately known as the “Hat Lady,” Margie has taken her flair for fashion and turned it into a way to raise funds for the To Life Foundation. She has a separate hat room in her house, which she sometimes opens for the “To Life” cause. Margie is assisted by two dedicated young women, Lucy Gabbay, and Lorraine Chera.

Before the fashion show began, guests were treated to vivacious and talented dancers Sherri Ades, Raquel Benun, Lilly Braha, Joyce Franco, Lucy Gabbay, Cynthia Haddad, Jacqueline Krost and Paulina Terzi. The fashion show was emceed by the energetic and charismatic duo of Alice Adjmi and Norma Cohen. Many of the models were chosen after they generously donated their own hats. Each wore a hat from the collection; some wore their own clothes. All of them looked like they’d walked off the runways in Bryant Park.

The fashion show began with kind words from Allyson Reid and her son, Hunter. Hunter spent time at Monmouth Medical Center in 2009. Playing in the teen room lifted his spirits tremendously, and made his stay comfortable.

“Ezra made a difference in the lives of many people, and we are grateful to him,” Hunter said.

Following Ezra’s example of giving, Hunter’s older brother held a basketball tournament to raise funds.

In a speech she gave at the show, Margie said, “Fashion brings us happiness. We can take it to any level. But what we are doing here is beyond fashion, we’re helping those that are in desperate need of a miracle, those less fortunate than us—the most innocent victims—our children. Thank you to all who are in attendance.”

Hats Off to Life would like to thank the committee—Sherri Betesh, Lorraine Chera, Esther Dana, Judy Edery, Lucy Gabbay, Vicki Hoffstein, Louise Khodari, Sara Mamiye, Sallie Mishaan, Bella Sardar—their generous sponsors for the day, as well as the models, stylists, and volunteers that gave so much time and energy to Eddie’s cause. Thanks go to Doris Dweck for heading the entire operation and for making Eddie, A”H, the star of this summer’s amazing event. Thanks also go to Gary Zindel for supplying the pictures.

With much emotion, Margie wrote the following to Eddie’s parents Susan and Irwin about the event: “You know Eddie always wanted to be a star. This year, I think we made his dream come true. I was there in the hospital watching not just you guys, but all the other parents suffering. It really changed the way I felt about how I was going to spend my time. If we had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It was flawless! There are costs that people don’t see—the hours and years of work that go into this. It was an ensemble of the most amazing women in our community. Doris Dweck, Norma Cohen, Alice Adjmi, and Gayle Krost spend their free time giving of themselves. You can’t put a price on that. I am so proud of the time and energy that was put into this production. As it turned out, the most important part of it is that Eddie was the star of the biggest show this community has ever seen. You should be proud of him.”

“Eddie was in the house,” said Ezra’s parents Irwin and Susan Abraham.

It started with just one green bracelet, and one green hat. Eddie inspired others to become doers, and to give of ourselves. We too can make anything happen. For more info go to www.thehatladyinc.com.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a freelance writer.