Disco will live again at charity fundraiser
Friends committed to raising money in battle vs. cancer
BY AMY ROSEN Staff Writer

Two busy moms from Manalapan are planning to run, volley and disco the night away in the name of love and charity.

Last year Kathy Goldstein and her friend Gabrielle Bachman participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team in Training program in order to prepare them both to run in the New Jersey Marathon and Half-Marathon in Long Branch.

The LLS helps raise funds for research and patient services to aid those people who have leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, which are all cancers of the blood.

Goldstein's mother, Jennifer Basile of the Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, is suffering from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, an incurable but treatable disease, according to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's Web site.

Goldstein's dedication to her mother and experience with helping her fight the disease led Goldstein to want to do something to aid research efforts to find a cure for cancer.

Bachman's motivation was sparked by her dedication to her friend, Sheri Glick, ofMarlboro, whose daughter Julie, 23, underwent treatment for leukemia after being diagnosed in 2005. Julie is now in total remission after a stem cell transplant and is planning her wedding to her longtime boyfriend, Scott Sica, ofManalapan, this summer.

Unfortunately, last year Goldstein injured both knees in training and was advised by her doctor to refrain from running the marathon. Bachman ran the half-marathon and Goldstein participated by handing out water to other runners. Together the women raised $11,000 for the LLS and were among the top fundraisers for the Southern New Jersey Shore Region Chapter of Team in Training.

This year they will be assuming the same roles during the marathon that is slated to take place May 4 in Long Branch, but they are hoping to surpass last year's fundraising efforts by organizing additional events.

Bachman's daughters, Nicole, 19, and Melissa, 18, inspired by their mother's efforts, will run with her in the halfmarathon this year.

"Team In Training is a group of people that are wonderful and giving," said Bachman. "This is an experience of a lifetime. We are hoping that the money we raise will help find a cure."

As if taking care of their families and planning for the marathon isn't enough, Goldstein and Bachman are also planning to host a disco party fundraiser on April 5 at the Bella Vista Country Club, School Road East, Marlboro.

The event will include hors d'oeuvres, an open bar with premium liquor, buffet dinner, dessert, coffee, and even warm chocolate chip cookies and milk for those who so desire. Disco music will be provided by a DJ from Extravagant Entertainment.

Bachman and Goldstein are planning to have many valuable items available for raffles and a gift auction.

Many local businesses have aided the women in their efforts by donating services and merchandise to support the LLS. Bella Vista Country Club and Extravagant Entertainment donated their services at a discounted rate. Bella Vista also donated a dinner for four people to be raffled off. Extravagant Entertainment donated a four-hour DJ package for the raffle.

Elegant Creations of Marlboro provided all the decorations at no cost. Many other items will be up for grabs at the disco party including gift certificates for food baskets; clothing; carpet; a manicure and pedicure; and a free consultation with a Manhattan nutritionist who is also donating a book she recently published.

Donations of items to be raffled at the event are still being accepted. All who donate to and/or sponsor the fundraiser will have their names printed in a brochure that will be given to all the guests at the party.

"People have been so generous," said Goldstein. "It's really touching."

The cost to attend the disco party is $75 per person. Raffle tickets will cost $5 each.

Goldstein is also planning to host a tennis party fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 at the East Brunswick Racquet Club, Route 18, East Brunswick. That event will feature round robin tennis tournaments at a cost of $20 per person. All proceeds will benefit the LLS.

"I'm doing this so that one day the word cancer will not mean a death sentence, so that one day there will be a cure and our kids will not have to worry that a diagnosis of cancer could threaten their lives," Goldstein said. "I'm proud of my mom for battling the disease so valiantly and I know she's proud and happy that I'm doing this in her honor.We're so grateful for the efforts of the many volunteers, doctors and researchers who are working valiantly to come up with ways to beat this disease."

Call (732) 672-0282 or e-mail orange ladybug16@aol.com for details about donating to or attending any of these fundraisers or visit www.active.com/do nate/tntsonj/tntsonjkgoldst1 or www.ac tive.com/donate/tntsonj/GabrielleBachman.