Gowns and Downs fundraiser tops $100K for Health Fund

MILFORD — The Fourth Annual Gowns and Downs event on May 4 and 5 raised more than $100,000 for the Pike County Health Fund. More than 150 guests attended the fundraiser, an elegant black-tie gala held at the Riverview Inn with a Broadway theme. Guests enjoyed Broadway performances, dancing until midnight and food donated and prepared by Cliff Park Inn, River Rock Inn, Riverview Inn, Le Gorille and Andre’s. Joseph Biondo served as auctioneer for a live auction that featured 16 deluxe packages, including a 10-day holiday for two to Rome and a day-long excursion aboard a private 46-foot Ocean Sunliner. The auction raised more than $30,000 for the Pike County Health Fund. Attendees of the Downs portion of the weekend enjoyed a Kentucky Derby Soiree held at the home of Ed Raarup and Scott Eck. Guests cheered on their favorite horse and enjoyed refreshments and, of course, mint juleps were served. Proceeds from the event benefited the Pike County Health Fund, which is administered by the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation at the Milford Health and Wellness Center. The health agency provides various diagnostic tests and screenings for uninsured or underinsured residents of Pike County. The agency also recently helped open the Pike County Teen Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, which provides services to adolescents and their families who are trying to cope with the substance abusing behaviors of adolescents. The event was organized by Lisa Migliore and Yolanda Cullen. Fundraising co-chairs were Joan Waldman and Ronnie Biondo. The Pike County Health Fund addresses the growing health concerns of county residents, especially working families, children and senior citizens. Learn more about all the services offered through the Pike County Health Fund by calling 973-579-8340.