RUMSON – Every year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Ball (ACS Cancer Ball) develops a theme to attract patrons to what has become one of the most successful American Cancer Society galas in the country. This ball’s theme — “The Lost City of Atlantis” — had a little help from area teenagers who posed as living statues as they greeted guests arriving at the estate of George and Lori Hall of Rumson.
“We are really known for our theme,” said this year’s co-chair Paige Benigno. “Therefore, we like to pick something that is compelling and eye-catching. The living statues, which were very appropriate to the theme, were not only compelling but interactive.”
The students were recruited by the ACS Cancer Ball’s decoration committee volunteer Tricia Frankenfield who contacted the Red Bank Regional (RBR) Visual and Performing Arts Academy. RBR drama teacher Joe Russo, who is very supportive of teenage volunteerism, spread the word and RBR drama students Sophia Gutchinov, Riana Katch, Jenny McKenna (all of Red Bank) and Timmy Niles of Little Silver answered the call to service. They were joined by area Barbizon students Heather Loezer of Red Bank, Destyni Cooper or Tinton Falls and Antonia Narducci of Manahawkin.
The students donned Grecian attire and were painted white to resemble marble. They posed as statues, gracing the entranceway as guests arrived. Several student statues were even placed on pedestals. They played their roles so well, some guests didn’t realize they were real. Later they joined the guests inside the main tent to further entertain ball patrons.
“The students really set the mood and conveyed the theme. My favorite part was when they posed for pictures making funny expressions. Everyone loved it,” Frankenfield said, adding, “I was also so impressed by the professionalism they brought to their roles.”
This marked the 45th annual ASC Cancer Ball held in the Two River area. Funds from the gala support both national research grants and local support programs for cancer patients and their families.
Additional information about the event is available by visiting the website at cancerball.org.
