Ryan's Quest Valentine Ball 2014

Once Upon a Time…February 8th to be exact…The Westin Princeton opened it's doors to one of my favorite events - this year's Ryan's Quest Valentine Ball - The Enchanted Garden.

The night sponsored by First Choice Bank was a huge success and a dream come true really. With events such as charity galas, we rely a great deal on talents from others who can donate time and services in an effort to raise as much money as possible for the cause. When the time, talent, and services exceed your expectations, as a planner, you cannot help but feel your heart grow! 

This event was proof that love CAN conquer all! 

I'm grateful that photographer Erica Haller and her assistant Albert both of Erica Haller Photography captured incredible shots that we can forever cherish as we look back to see what helped us to get one step closer to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Upon entering Cocktail Hour, which was gorgeously decorated by In Full Bloom, you could not help but be awed by the handmade decor and pieces crafted out of wood. As you grabbed a signature 'Fairy-Tail' Appletini, you may have noticed some woodland and fairytale creatures prancing around or on display. Five salons were asked to help create wow-factors to add to the enchantment. Salon Artigiano, Salon Pure, VC Salon, Great Looks, and Salon G were all on board for the task, and believe me, they WOWed us!

Salon Artigiano's 'Heirshroom'

VC Salon's 'Believe'

Salon Pure's 'Enchanted Fawn'

 In the background, sounds from Tutti Dolce came from the trio's strings. From classical to current hits - they added to the magical mood of the event. 

Passed hors d'oeuvres were a plenty.

A Silent Auction made up of over 70 amazing prize packages from Disney Vacations to Once in a Lifetime Experiences adorned a room that was full of special contests and raffles - some of which were provided by Trent Jewelers.

Creative centerpieces by In Full Bloom helped to make our garden even more enchanted while menus by Darling and Pearl were specially customized for the event. From the stars on the ceilings and branches along the walls, Xplosive Entertainment enveloped us in a beautiful whimsical ambience.

Two very special women were awarded the Ryan's Quest Hero Award - Jenn McNary and Christine McSherry! This came after the premier of a trailer provided by the Wider Brothers.

The magic continued as Jason Liberatore and Dan Miller provided exquisite acoustic renditions of 'He's My Son' and 'Demons' in which the amazing Tyler Stewart performed a moving contemporary dance with grace and excellence portraying the struggle of this awful disease and overcoming it.

The NERDS than took the stage and had the dance floor packed! They were so good that it seemed as though their sound was heard as far as Philly as one of its main residents ended up crashing the event! Yes, the Philly Phanatic stopped by for some added fun and laughs!

Xplosive Entertainment continued to keep the guests dancing to their favorites and were amazing emcees as well!

Some guests dressed to fit the theme - all guests enjoyed the enchanted evening filled with love!

                                     

Over a dozen bakers donated scrumptious desserts for our 

Garden of Sweets! 
   

These Elderflower Panna Cottas were provided by Pastry Chef  Randi Sabine

   

Whimsical cupcakes were sent to us from Puddin's Cake Corner

Artistic cake pops were a vision of Little Ladies Sweet Treats

Other amazing goodies were provided by: Sue's Sweets, Coco's Cakery, Dana's Custom Cakes, Dillicious Cupcakes, Lynn Crutchley, Jennifer's Couture Cupcakes, How Sweet it Is by Melissa, Terri Kent, Chrissy's Creations, and Carella's Chocolates

Dave and Maria Schultz, founders of Ryan's Quest and parents to Ryan Schultz, ironically stand in front of a clock that was used for decor. To them, the clock symbolizes every second of every day for while dealing with the realities of Duchenne muscular dystrophy which is a 100% fatal disease that occurs mainly in boys - one being their son. Boys with Duchenne lose their ability to walk between the ages of 8-12, require respiratory assistance in their teens, and survive only in to their twenties. Racing against the clock is what everyone in the Duchenne community does every day as every day two boys are lost to this villain! It doesn't have to be this way. Especially not now when treatments are out there - treatments that are being held captive by the FDA.

I was so happy with such a successful event made possible by so many! It truly was "All The Rave", and as a planner and coordinator, I couldn't be more grateful by the help of so many vendors, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and guests! My goal throughout this event and one to keep in mind is that we need to continue to fight and race against the clock so that these boys and their families can LIVE

"Happily Ever After"!

The End 

of Duchenne

Gems of the Night

Jewel-tones and pretty off-whites covered the red carpet at the 65th Emmy Awards. A few of these beauties shined the brightest! While I wasn't overly impressed with this year's Emmy fashion, there were some actresses who stayed consistent from previous red carpets, and of course, there are those designers who fail to disappoint! 

Kaley Cuocco made a "big bang" in a cranberry Vera Wang gown.   

Photo by Jason Merritt 

Julie Louis-Dryfes's sparkly strapless sequin gown by Monique Lhuillier was absolutely one of my favorites! 

Photo by Scott Kirkland

Heidi Klum wore a "pomegranate" sequin/beaded number in Versace. It was very costumey, but if anyone can pull it off, it's definitely Heidi Klum! 

                                                                                         Photo by John Shearer  

Giuliana Rancic is always gorgeous. Her mermaid was by Tadashi Shoji. For her first time in blue on the red carpet, I would say the color was a bit underwhelming for me. I wish it was a tad bit more in the purple or grey family to go with her skin tone and "Nutella" hair, but all the same, she was exquisite!

Photo by Scott Kirkland

One of the most stunning gowns on the red carpet by far was by Donna Karan Atelier, and giving it great justice as it was worn gracefully, was Linda Cardellini. 

Photo by Jason Merritt 

Connie Britton is shown here in Naeem Khan. The velvet turquoise gown embellished with gold, was very regal and very pretty.

Photo by Scott Kirkland

Kerry Washington is someone who is always consistently gorgeous on the red carpet. She wore a flowing intricate tricolor gown by Marchesa! Captivating!

            Photo by Michael Buckner     

Sarah Hyland wore a very flattering shade of green laced in black by Carolina Herrera. 

                                                                                       Photo by Jason Merritt   

 Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi was dressed simple in Kaufman Franco, but was definitely a cut above the rest! And, the cut above the waist...super cute! Perfectly accessorized with gold jewelry!

Photo by Jeff Vespa

My favorite gown of the evening was another by Marchesa. Malin Akerman wore this very light grey, almost white gown with incredible detail. Very much red carpet-worthy!

Photo by Scott Kirkland 

STAND OUT with Jewelry Picks by Heather

Aside from Event Planning and working closely with the charity Ryan's Quest - 2 of my passions, I have decided to launch an online jewelry boutique that I can actually tie in to social media - another love of mine. I look to not only sell gorgeous pieces at great prices that either fit my personality or are trending at the moment, but to tie them in to certain themes whether it be celebrity fashion as a "How to Get That Look", by releasing inspiration boards, or simply by listening to what YOU are looking for!

I LOVE accessories! I think they are like icing on the cake! They're a way to brand yourself and show off your personality! Myself...I generally go for big clunky bracelets and odd-looking pieces that are daring to wear! To me, it means making a bold statement! I like unique styles, but will also add very classic pieces to my shop.

My mother always wanted to open a boutique. So, I'm going to do this in her memory. She ALWAYS accessorized...and to me, she always stood out. Now, it's time for us all to grab our inner diva, slap on something shiny or sparkly and STAND OUT!

Go to my online boutique. As like many online boutiques that are sweeping the world wide web, you must join (only by creating a password). There will be flash sales each week that I will update you on! These pieces are all from emerging designers and will be sold at up to 60% off!

I can't wait for you to see the pieces I've chosen to share!
STAND OUT if you dare!

Follow the link below:
https://standout.kitsylane.com/join/DDL06lM

Ryan's Quest Valentine Ball - Roar for a Cure

Ryan's Quest took a step back in time to the Roaring Twenties while celebrating accomplishments throughout the organization and Duchenne community, and also giving a party for all of those who help raise awareness and roar for a cure! 

Upon entering the Westin Princeton, guests dressed in an array of fringe, fun feathered headbands, boas, suspenders, and bow ties were greeted with pink champagne, passed hors d'oeuvres, ice luges, contests, and a silent auction that consisted of prizes from South African Safari stays to once-in-a life time experiences on field with the NY Yankees! 

After cocktail hour, when the reception doors opened, a 16 piece orchestra was blaring "Sing Sing Sing"as twenty showgirls from Stewart Johnson Dance Academy lined the floor posed as shiny mannequins. They then got the party started with their well-choreographed routine to Christina Aguilera's 'Burlesque' as they danced on chairs and brought the house down! 

Next up was an introduction by John Crowley of 'Extraordinary Measures'. Once he introduced Dave Schultz, Ryan's father, Dave awarded Giants great Jessie Armstead and Antonio Pierce with the 2013 Ryan's Quest Hero Award for their commitment to helping Ryan's Quest and being such great advocators. Jessie happily accepted for he and Antonio (who was unable to attend last minute due to inclimate weather). A trailer then played on the screens for 'Darius Goes West'. And, amazingly so, Darius Weems himself and director Logan Smalley were in attendance to accept the next set of 2013 Ryan's Quest Hero Awards. The crowd jumped to a standing ovation as Darius who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and lost his brother from this awful disease, proudly accepted. Maria Schultz, Ryan's mother then spoke and discussed the importance of time and how boys like Ryan and Darius need more of it! 

Darius Weems and Logan Smalley with family and friends

Decor for the evening was made of up-cycled materials in an effort to go green by In Full Bloom. Some of this decor consisted of a huge backdrop of handmade flowers created simply from paper. Corey Fyffe also lent a hand to some beautiful stationary such as menus and table numbers. Music from the evening was fitting to the theme with the Midnight Sun Orchestra, but the party also took a modern twist as DJs Gregg Hollman and DJ Spinz of Ambient DJ got the floor packed with their beats! Brian Dzbenski from Master Disc Jockeys even took a turn leading the crowd with some moves while playing live footage on the big screens. A land/sea duet was served and then a huge couture cupcake display created by Cake it Up sat above and below The Linen Touch's silver sequined linens and silver shimmery shimilier where over 700 hundred "Cuptails" (cocktail-inspired cupcakes) were a welcomed dessert! Bakers who donated delicious treats were Sibling Rivalry Sweets, Dillicious Cupcakes, Sue's Sweets, Chocolate in the Oven, Coco's Cakery, Dana's Custom Cakes, Puddin's Cake Corner, Stace of Cakes, Lynn VanCamp-Crutchley, Randi Sabine, Nino's Pastry Shop, Treats from Chrissy's Kitchen, and Terri Kent. A SnapShotz Photo Booth was jammed at most times full of friends smiling knowing that they were at an event that was not only fun, but also was for a cause! 

The event that was sponsored by First Choice Bank went on until midnight with dancing, champagne-to-go, more dancing, and prizes! A 14 Karat Diamond Heart Necklace donated by Trent Jewelers was given to one lucky winner while His and Hers Movado watches also donated by Trent Jewelers were given to another. Forty other recipients who took a chance at winning something shiny or sweet took home diamond necklaces, again donated by Trent Jewelers.

Heather Sconza, Owner of All The Rave Events by Heather

This was an event that was a pleasure to watch come to life and is something I believe that Jay Gatsby would be proud of! Most importantly though - it was a success for Ryan's Quest which in turn is a success for the Duchenne Alliance which in turn is a success for the Duchenne community which will hopefully mean we are successful in buying time while finding a cure! 

Maria Schultz quoted Art Buchwald saying "Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got". This is where we need to realize that if we don't take this time now to celebrate each day we have and work tirelessly for a cure, we will be wasting what is precious - time. 

Jessie Armstead and Dave Schultz

Thankfully, Erica Haller Photography captured tons of great pictures from the evening which can be viewed here: ericahallerphoto.keepandshare.com 

To learn more about Ryan's Quest and to view the public service announcement, please visit www.ryansquest.org

SCHOOLS CAN SAVE LIVES

I believe there are SO many contributing factors as to why we see so many tragic events take place...not just in schools, but in movie theaters, in homes...in plain sight. Rather than pointing fingers or raising concerns about things such as gun laws, I rather talk about A SOLUTION. After giving it thought each time we have a traumatic shooting massacre in our country or teenage suicide, I believe that schools are one of the biggest solutions to the problems - schools can save lives!

Times change, people change, customs changes, and therefore, we need to change with them. Growing up, not every mom worked. Today, a majority of households have two working parents. A majority of households have only one parent. Perhaps there are even numbers of households that do not have a set standard of values that our parents once held. Perhaps some parents do not have the means to parent. Perhaps a single mom has to work nights to save her family's home and feed her children. Time for parenting is lost.

Teachers are incredible human beings. They dedicate their lives to grow children. I have the pleasure of knowing some of the greatest teachers who have hearts of gold and caring souls! What I've learned is that when you sign up to be a teacher, you are not signing up just to teach a class, but to nurture children. YOU become the part-time mom and dad to an entire classroom. Some of the children may not require this luxury, but often times, a lot of them do. So, with that, I hope that all teachers embrace that position and realize that yes, they are ARE making differences in the lives of children and teenagers...and they need to keep in mind that what they do can effect their lives greatly!

Now I don't know about you, but I remember dreading having to be pulled out of class one by one to go to the nurse for hearing tests, eye exams, and that once a year "wear-a-bathing-suit-to-school-day" so that spines could be checked for Scoliosis. Sure, these are all part of a child's development and it's wonderful to have these or have had these exams take place in the school. What I never seen implemented though was a mental exam. Granted, there are guidance counselors available and I commend them, but I believe that in the year 2012 going on 2013, we need more than just guidance counselors in our schools who are available to reach out to. I believe that there must be laws in tact where there are certified psychologists who DO pull ALL children out of class one by one at least a few times a year to assess them mentally and check in to their MENTAL development as well as their physical development. I'm not just talking about elementary schools, but middle schools, and most importantly high schools! I DO believe that teachers should be trained to look for particular behaviors of certain "brain" diseases - things like depression, anxiety, aspergers, autism, personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and so forth! Teachers should be paid more money for including that in to their list of daily duties, but that's a discussion for another time. I'm sure though, that it's not too difficult to have a teacher compile a list of the children in his or her classroom and possibly help to identify some patterns and behaviors that they see in their children which can serve as a guide to aid a psychologist who can then assess the children. Things like this NEED to be done!

What angers me are articles I read AFTER tragedies occur when gunmen or murderers are remembered as "the weird kid", "the quiet kid", "the kid who didn't have many friends", "the shy kid", "the troubled kid". My question is...if you are able to "label" them now...why couldn't you HELP them back then? 

Maybe there are plain evil people in the world, but I also believe that a lot of  this so called "evil" often stems from a disorder in the brain or the way a child's life was molded. I wonder over and over again why more is not done to bring awareness to mental illness, why more research is not done, why we disregard mental illness instead of helping those suffering from it. I think a lot of it is due to the stigma mental illness carries. Mental Illness should not carry a stigma! It is a DISEASE just like diabetes is a disease. One cannot help that they have a problem. One should be treated for their illness. You wouldn't take a kid who has diabetes and constantly put candy in front of him, would you? What if you didn't know he had diabetes and you kept handing him candy? Wouldn't you want to know NOT to feed the child sugar? Wouldn't you want knowledge on how to help care for this child? Wouldn't you want to help this child before it was too late? Why is that child with diabetes different than a child with a mental disorder? Wouldn't you want to identify a disease that an innocent child has? Wouldn't you want knowledge on how to help care for this child? Wouldn't you want to help this child before it was too late?

Open your eyes, world! Take the stigma away from Mental Illness! Help treat it and defeat it so that those children do not grow up to take lives...including their own. Help to treat it so that these problems are not masked or that these sufferers do not self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. I know that I personally would have trouble sleeping at night knowing that a young adult suffered years of torture in his or her mind that could have been treated if someone just spoke up and got them some help. Put the help IN schools. Do not leave it up to the parents. Parents have a hard time coming to terms that their children may have a stigmatized "problem". Parents rather run from that than help their child because it is not of the norm. But yes, it has become of the norm!

Children are always the future and the future depends on how they are taught and cared for. Schools are where children spend most of their lives, so why not let the schools save lives?!

The "Magic" of the Elf via Ryan's Quest

Words written from a mother on her son...Help make this season magical!

The "Magic" of the Elf It all started the night of Thanksgiving...our little elf named Elfie arrives for his traditional holiday visit. It's amazing how this "magical" creature can capture the heart of little boys and girls around the world in such an amazing way. This little elf has become such a part of our holiday traditions, as it is probably what the boys look forward to most in the days leading up to Santa's visit. In addition to our other dynamic elf duo "Jingles & Jangles", Elfie consumes every spare thought in Ryan's mind as he searches for clues of their whereabouts each morning, asks millions of questions about "elf history", writes them letters of thanks, and speaks to them when no one in the house is watching. As I watch my children's eyes fill with wonder and belief that all things are possible, there is just something so hopeful that comes over me. While Dave and I remain positive that our prayers will somehow be answered, it's strange how this season gives me greater hope that maybe a little bit of "magic" could bring us our Christmas Miracle. As I help Elfie to find his special place each night...I think of the smiles, laughter, and memories that my boys will hold with them forever of this wonderful holiday tradition... I think of how grateful I am that God has given me the two most precious gifts in Ryan and Mason...And yes...at times I think of asking Elfie to bring Santa a request for my one and only Christmas wish...a cure for Ryan. Perhaps, one night as your hand reaches out to your elf, you may do the same. Dave and I would like to thank you for sharing in our hope and standing  beside us in this fight over the past five years. We are truly closer than ever before to a suitable treatment in the Duchenne field. Please continue to fight with us...by either donating or spreading the word. Help us keep the mission of Ryan's Quest alive. To make a donation, please go to www.ryansquest.org

Gone, Back, and Not Forgotten

Well, I've been away from blogging for a while now as I was taking care of my mother who had suffered 20 months of cancer and is in our hearts and memories down here, but an angel now up in heaven. I do want to eventually post a lot of information and inspiration from her/our journey that might help others as I documented it. In the meantime, I'm getting back to blogging because I have LOTS to say haha and I'll begin with a poem I wrote back during Hurricane Sandy as I lay next to her hospital bed after she underwent emergency brain surgery for the second time. 

Mom I'm so proud of you for fighting so hard and being so strong
I'm sure you prolonged your life by at least a year and a half long
We got to have TWO extra summers together down the shore
Funny how the shore is no

t there anymore
I should've known this year that something wasn't right
You were too weak to walk, but yet continued to fight
Then we got the news - your cancer spread to your brain
And without hesitation you battled head on again
The hell that you suffered and anxiety that you bound
Seemed somewhat minute just to keep you around
I prayed for miracles - many of us did
And I'm pretty sure we got them as you received more time to live
This time things are different and I know it's so
Because problems are becoming greater and it's starting to show
All along I've been praying and begging God for your life
But now I feel selfish and like I'm causing you strife
I know you don't want to leave us
and we don't wan't you to ever
But we love you too much
to watch you not get better
It's not your fault and we thank you for trying
But it's almost impossible to live
When you're actually dying
God must need you in heaven and we must keep faith alive
To know if He takes you we'll again be by your side
You're too precious for this world that to you is often cruel
An angel doesn't need to struggle at all like you do
You've taught us so much by being the most amazing mother
And you've given me all you had...you even gave me a precious brother
The amount of love that you've shared cannot be touched
You loved all with an open heart and everyone loved you back so very much
I don't have the words to thank you, but hope I've shown you with my heart
That's why I swore I'd never leave your side from the very start
This new journey we encountered, like everything else, we made it through
With lots of laughs and togetherness and we just did what we had to do
We actually made fun of cancer
We walked through it hand in hand
Probably something so outlandish
Only we could understand
It was our very special way though
And I'm grateful we had the time
It's made so many memories
that are truly one of a kind
Not sure what lies ahead now, but I think I'll soon stop playing tug of war with the lord
I thought my love could keep you here forever, but to see you this way is something you don't afford
I always knew you were extra special and not meant for this place
But I'm so grateful you've been with me this long and I'll comtinue to keep my
faith
I already know deep in my heart I must have a job that needs to be done
And when I am finished, you and I will go back to having fun
So dear God please bless my mother and do not take her yet
But when she has had enough please be sure by you she's met

And now I can finish that poem with...

God met my mom at 9:56pm on December 1st. May she finally rest in peace and be so full of happiness that she deserves more than anyone!!! I love you mom and will keep you alive in my heart with every breath I take!!!