Inspiring Women Raise Funds for Dress for Success Central NJ

It was a night of sparkle and shine as Dress for Success Central NJ (DFSCNJ) recently held its signature fundraising event, Cocktails for A Cause, Braving Your own Reality, at Jasna Polana in Princeton. Jackie Goldschneider from The Real Housewives of New Jersey served as keynote speaker and inspired the audience with her story of how she overcame challenges in her life to become the confident, successful women she is today.

DFSCNJ CEO Melissa Tenzer was thrilled to introduce Jackie Goldschneider as the DFSCNJ Celebrity Ambassador. “She has overcome so many challenges and setbacks and has not let them keep her from succeeding on her own terms, that’s what makes her the perfect person to be our Ambassador,” said Tenzer.

“I’ve always thought it was important to use my voice to help women through any difficult situation in life and now I have been given this incredible opportunity to have a platform. I am honored that you asked me to be the ambassador of such a wonderful organization,” said Goldschneider. Jackie spoke of her nearly two decades long battle with an eating disorder that took over her life. She spoke of how, just like so many women that come to Dress for Success, she needed to face her struggles and reach out for help. “Facing your struggle, no matter what your struggle is takes courage, it’s the definition of brave,” said Goldschneider. “Without support, lifting yourself up is so much harder.”

Jackie stated that during her visit to the DFSCNJ boutique this past summer she was so impressed by how strong and driven the women are. “The steps they were taking to make their lives better and to reach the potential they know they can reach was so inspirational and made me realize the importance of what Dress for Success does,” she stated. Jackie was joined at the fundraiser by RHONJ costar Margaret Josephs and friend Traci Barber, wife of Tiki Barber.

As always, the highpoint of the evening is hearing directly from the women who have persevered and Braved Their Own Reality to accomplish so much. Tenzer reminded guests of the important work done by DFSCNJ. “Cocktails for a Cause, while it’s a good party and a celebration of our most important friends and supporters, is about so much more. We are here tonight because we all believe in the women we serve. We believe that every woman needs a team – people who will help her learn what she needs to know, give her a boost of confidence and most importantly cheer her on to success.”

Several DFSCNJ clients approached the podium to tell their stories.

“I am braving my reality by stepping out on faith and by having the courage to dream out loud. Now everything's coming up roses because Dress for Success elevated my self-worth when they helped me regain confidence within,” said Neisha.

“I am braving my own reality since I shared my story how blessed I am that I overcame all the physical and emotional obstacles in my life. Now everything is coming up to roses. I am confident, I believe in myself and am ready to help support and lift my wonderful Professional Womens Group sisters to achieve their goal. Their success is my achievement and success,” said Seema.

“I’m braving my own reality because I thought I would forever live paycheck to paycheck and now because of Dress for Success I am not. Everything is coming up roses for me because The Designing your Future program at Dress for Success, and the support of my husband have given me the confidence I need to know I can reach my goals,” said Saige.

“I’m braving my own reality because I know with Dress for Success in my corner, I can achieve anything. Being a part of the Dress for Success family has been an amazing opportunity. When I was getting divorced and found myself in need of a full-time job in order to get a mortgage and move on with my life, I didn’t know where to start or what I wanted to do. I lacked confidence and direction and I felt overwhelmed by my fears. Thanks to Dress for Success, not only did I wind up with a fantastic job that I loved, but more importantly, I gained so much confidence. I found myself and I conquered my fears,” said Dena.

Additional highlights of the evening were the presentation of the honoree awards. Community Citizen of the Year was presented to Scott Kent of Wawa, who has been a champion for Dress for Success for many years. From donating prom dresses to helping the organization get much needed grants, Kent has put himself on the line again and again to make Dress for Success a stronger resource for the community.

“I am very humbled to receive this recognition,” said Kent. “Empowering women to thrive in work and in life is a meaningful purpose, which is why I support for Dress for Success. It’s easy for me, along with the Wawa Foundation, to stand behind the cause. Helping to improve a person’s quality of life and helping them gain financial independence dovetails nicely with Wawa’s mission.”

Investors Bank was the recipient of the Community Impact Award. Accepting the award for Investors Bank was Carole Bursac, AVP and Branch Manager, a longstanding DFSCNJ volunteer and advocate.

“Investors Bank is so honored to accept the Community Impact Award from Dress for Success Central New Jersey,” said Bursac. “What really resonates for me is how Dress for Success is a full circle experience for the women who walk through those doors.” Bursac spoke of how it starts with a suit, but once the women walk through our doors, they are a member for life with access to support across their career.

Tenzer also thanked the many sponsors, in-kind donors, attendees, and event committee, chaired by Colleen Walsh, for making the evening possible. Leading sponsors for Cocktails for a Cause, Braving your own Reality included Wawa, Capital Health, Jane & John Celentano, Bloomberg, BMS, Ernst & Young, Investors Bank, PNC Bank, PNC Private Bank, The Busch Cordero Family Fund, NJM, Comcast, Fox Rothschild, Kimberlynn Kleasen, Stark & Stark, Thomas Edison State College.

With eight signature programs, including Designing Your Future, Financial Literacy and Latina Empowerment, DFSCNJ has provided life changing services to more than 11,000 women since opening its doors in 2007. This work is made possible by generous supporters of the organization.

“The services we provide to women and girls would not be possible without the support of our generous community and I thank every one of you,” says Tenzer.

The money raised from Cocktails for A Cause helps fund the full continuum of career programs and services provided by Dress for Success Central NJ, which empowers women to achieve economic independence. To learn more about DFSCNJ, visit centralnj.dressforsuccess.org or call 609-896-4112. You can also follow DFSCNJ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.