MJWC Bash Benefits Homeless Solutions, Inc.

The Mendham Junior Women's Club combined the thrill of casino gambling with Asian-themed culinary delights to come up with its 50th anniversary gala, "Solid Gold Casino Night," held on Friday, Feb. 29 at the Hyatt Headquarters Plaza in Morristown.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Homeless Solutions, Inc. of Morristown, provider of services and shelter to the homeless and working poor in the Morris County area.

"Everyone had a lot of fun," said Kim Kutlu of Mendham, club publicity chair. "JoAnn Peck gave such an inspirational speech after being honored as the Mendham Junior Women's Distinguished Alumni. "She spoke about the importance of service to the community and that she had no regrets."

The more than 200 guests who braved a cold, snowy night dined on lobster and shrimp spring rolls in orange and ginger sauce, asparagus crepes with blue cheese and Hunan shrimp with Asian-style vegetable. There was also a pasta station and flank steak carving station.

In addition to the games of chance, the evening's entertainment included a photo booth and a silent auction with such items up for grabs as a Giants Super Bowl XLH football autographed by place kicker Lawrence Tynes, tickets to MTV's "Total Request Live," show and a sheared beaver coat valued at $8,500.

Mendham Junior Women are, from left, Lori Nagler, Sue Browse,
Julie Githens, Mariah Seminara, club president, Lynn Rand,
event chair, Laura Trinkoff and Kathy Day.
(Photo: Denman Peniston)

(L to R): Mendham Junior Women Cathleen Studdiford
and Cathy McGrath purchase a chance to win diamond
earrings. (Photo: Denman Peniston)


Nicole and Jack Hoops of Mendham enioy a lively
game of craps. (Photo: Denman Peniston)

Hilary Duffy of Mendham checks out a
silent auction item. (Photo: Denman Peniston)

Partaking from the giant self-serve wok are Dawn and Scott
Caputo of Mendham. (Photo: Denman Peniston)

More than 200 guests attended the event on Feb. 29 at the
Hyatt Headquarters Plaza in Morristown. (Photo: Denman Peniston)

Following the event, the MJWC donated
$10,000 to Homeless Solutions, Inc.

Pictured from Left to Right: Kerby Kociancic, MJWC president,
Dianne Ackerman, MJWC 1st vice president, Lynn Rand,
MJWC co-president, and Kevin Wood, board member, Homeless Solutions, Inc.