Competition Heating Up As 12 Vie For The Title Of Mister Bucks County

NEWTOWN, PA — A dozen Bucks County residents are vying for the title of “Mister Bucks County” in a brand new competition and the public is invited to weigh in with their choice.

Among the contestants are a borough mayor, a police officer, several business owners, a restaurateur, the executive director of a movie theatre, and others.

Between now and October I2, residents can vote for their choice by visiting the contest’s website and making a financial donation, the proceeds of which will benefit Main St. (formerly Pine2Pink), a Bucks County non-profit that supports breast cancer patients.

“We’ve come up with 12 amazing contestants,” said Gina-Maria Santoro, owner and operator of Giovanni’s Fine Fashions & Custom Tailoring in Newtown who is organizing the fundraiser with Opus Elite owner, Mark Gatta. “Each will be competing to see who can raise the most money for Main St.”

The winner will be crowned "Mister Bucks County" during a fashion show to be held during a Light the Night Pink block party fundraiser on October 12 on historic State Street in Newtown Borough.

During the show, the contestants will be modeling black tie tuxedos, all styled and provided by Giovanni's.

“It’s going to be an amazing show,” said Santoro, noting that In addition to getting a crown, the winner will get bragging rights and a $250 shopping spree at Giovanni’s.

The block party, which is free and open to the public, will also include live music by Midlife Crisis; refreshments; raffles; a gift basket raffle; and the Ardana Pizza Truck, which will be donating its profits to Main St.

In addition to the fashion show, the 12 contestants will be featured in a calendar that will also raise money for breast cancer patients through sponsorships of the months.

Joe Dantone, a professional photographer with Dantone Creative, will be capturing each contestant in a comical pose for their respective calendar month.

“It’s going to be amazing. Every picture is a piece of art,” said Santoro.

For example, newly-engaged Newtown Borough Police Sgt. Sean Orr will be pictured shopping for wedding cakes. His month is appropriately sponsored by the Caketeria.

According to Santoro, the public can follow the different photo shoots on the contest’s Facebook Page where behind-the-scenes videos and photos will be posted. They can also watch a video announcing the details of the contest.

This year's contestants include:

• January: Joe Gatta, who operates a marketing company.
• February: Bernie Sauer, local builder.
• March: Nick O’Hey, bar manager at the Green Parrot in Newtown.
• April: Ray Flaville, business owner.
• May: Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke.
• June: Newtown Borough Police Sgt. Sean Orr.
• July: Eric Poe, CEO of CURE Auto Insurance.
• August: Nick Fifis, owner and chef at Erini Restaurant.
• September: Andy Smith, executive director of the Newtown Theatre.
• October: Matt Arlen, Ned’s Cigars in Newtown.
• November: Chris Munz, owner of Munz Construction.
• December: Newtown Borough attorney Andrew Neville.

“There’s a really good chance that one of the guys in this calendar is either a friend of yours or a friend of a friend. But it doesn’t matter whether you know them or not," said Santoro. "Just the fact that these guys put themselves out there in a very vulnerable position, it should make people want to dig into their pockets and support them.”

The calendars are scheduled to be released at the end of September and will be available for purchase at local businesses and during the Light the Night Pink block party.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Mister Bucks County contest and calendar sale will benefit Main St. and breast cancer patients.