NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The Newtown business community not only turned the town pink on Thursday, they raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer patients in Bucks County.
During a block party fundraiser that featured the crowning of the third Mr. Bucks County, the community raised an astounding $102,219 for Main St., a nonprofit supporting breast cancer patients, bringing its five-year total to just over $400,000 for the cause.
During the special evening, 12 contestants, including a restaurateur, a general contractor, a personal stylist, several business owners, a winemaker, and the Wolf of Real Estate, walked a pink carpet on South State Street, showcasing the latest in men's formal wear from Giovanni's Fine Fashions.
The men's fashion show culminated three months of fundraising by the contestants and the crowning of Mr. Bucks County, the contestant who raised the most money for the cause by encouraging friends and family to vote for them by making a donation.
After introducing the 12 contestants to the town, Giovanni's owner Gina Santoro, who came up with the idea, joined emcees Matt Arlen from Ned's Cigars, and former Mr. Bucks County Sean Orr in announcing the year's top two finalists - Mark Masso and Derek Schroeder - who raised a combined $66,000.
"That is what the competition is about. Every contestant participated to help us get to that $102,000 number. There is only one crown, but there are absolutely no losers tonight," said Santoro.
Joining Santoro on stage to crown this year's winner was the reigning Mr. Bucks County, Dave Martin, escorted by his wife, Liz. For the past year, Santoro said Martin has represented what the competition is all about - community, generosity and giving back.
As camera flashes filled the stage and cheers erupted from the crowd, Mr. January Derek Schroeder, the owner of Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, was crowned the 2027 Mr. Bucks County.
"Give it up for the new Mr. Bucks County," said Santoro, as Schroeder's family raced to the to celebrate the moment.
Schroeder was presented with a crown and a pink Mr. Bucks County sash for winning the contest. He'll also get a shopping spree at the men's clothing store.
"I am surprised and obviously shocked because you don't know how it's going to come out, but at the end of the day it's all about the difference we can make for those in the community facing this disease," said Schroeder after winning the crown.
"The competition was pretty fierce," he added. "There were a few of us who were neck and neck for a while. But you just keep pushing to make a difference. This cause is very near and dear to my heart. I've had multiple family members who have gone through breast cancer."
Mr. Bucks County Derek Schroeder with Gina Santoro and this year's contestants. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
2027 Mr. Bucks County Derek Schroeder, center, with Keith Fenimore, founder of Main St., and Gina Santoro, owner of Giovanni's Fine Fashions and the organizer behind the Mr. Bucks County contest. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Mr. March Joe Thomas of Philly Joe Tattoo. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Mr. May Andy Innocenti, the owner and vintner of Innocenti Family Wines, a family-owned micro-winery based in Langhorne.
Mr. August Todd McGonigal, owner of the Ice House in Yardley and Newtown. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Mr. November Marc Masso, the owner of LaStalla Restaurant, LaStalla Market and LaGrange Steakhouse in Yardley. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Schroeder is the owner of Rolf Schroeder General Contractors in Ivyland, which has been in business for 40 years. He was nominated for the completion by last year's winner, Dave Martin.
The other contestants this year included: Michael Morales, a personal stylist; Joe Thomas, owner of Philly Joe Tattoo; Jason Freedman, the Wolf of Real Estate; Andy Innocenti, Innocenti Family Wines; Brad and Dale Johnson, Medical Equipment Sales and Teacher; Paul Burns of Burns Auto Group; Todd McGonigal, owner of Newtown and Yardley Ice Houses; Gerard Margiotti, Pediatrician; Alex Brazinski, an Acupuncturist; and Marc Masso, owner of LaStalla Restaurant.
In addition to the fashion show, the business owners are compiling a calendar spotlighting each of the 12 contestants in a series of humorous photos captured by photographer Joe Dantone. The calendars will be sold through Giovanni's with proceeds going to the cause.
The block party also included thousands of dollars in raffle prizes and gift baskets, live music, food trucks, and lots more.
"It was an amazing night," said Santoro. "The backdrop, the people, the contestants, the music, the pink carpet. It was an electric atmosphere. I hope everyone enjoyed it and fed off of it like we did. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," she said to the contestants and people who came out. "Because this is not possible without them."
Funds raised by the event will be donated to Main St. (formerly Pine2Pink), a nonprofit that supports breast cancer patients at Fox Chase Cancer Center Buckingham, Grand View Health, Doylestown Health and Kin Wellness and Support Center through programs such as food assistance, cold capping, integrative services, counseling and therapy, out-of-pocket expenses, treatment transportation, comfort bags and treatment center support and improvements.
Keith Fenimore, who founded Main St., attended the Mr. Bucks County event to commend the Newtown business community and Santoro for their fundraising efforts.
He took a moment during the event to present Santoro with the organization's Impact Award for raising thousands of dollars for the cause and bringing awareness of the disease to the community.
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