'Glitz, Glam and Gifts' Benefits Sandy Victims

Hundreds of North Jersey shoppers got a jump on their Christmas shopping and raised money for charity at the same time.

The nearly all-female crowd flooded The Brownstone in Paterson for Glitz, Glam and Gifts, The Sparkling Event’s annual holiday shopping event.

Dozens of vendors showcased their best products. They included “Real Housewives of New Jersey” Kathy Wakile and Jacqueline Laurita and Ava’s Cupcakes, the winner of the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”

“It’s a fun night out and gives people a chance to have some fun, network a little, and showcase their business,” said Candice Laurita, co-owner of The Sparkling Event. “We’re moms and we all want a chance to help each other, and the community, out in some tangible way and this is a great way to do that,” Laurita said.

Laurita held Sparkle Speaks in September. That event raised money for Autism Speaks, an international autism advocacy organization.

“Every show they do something different and its nice to be a part of something where you help someone out, especially this year with Sandy,” said Shannon Daroch, a Wayne mom who runs her own Initials Inc. franchise, a direct mail order business offering personalized handbags, luggage, and other products.

Dozens of bags of non-perishable food were collected at the event. It will be given to local food pantries to help Hurricane Sandy victims.

Wakile showcased cannoli as the inaugural desert in her new Dolce Della Dea dessert collection.

“There are so many people who were down and out, who still are, but the community, and the entire state, has really come together after Sandy and its wonderful to see how resilient everyone is,” Wakile said as she filed cannoli with her daughter Victoria. “It’s been amazing to see and if we can help people out with something like this, that’s wonderful.”

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