With the help of some Broadway stars and local merchants, the Lauren & Emily Failla Foundation raised more than $20,000 this month to support infant care, arts programs and scholarships in Morristown.
Hosted by singer Blaire Reinhard Perrin, a friend of the late Failla sisters, the evening at the Bickford Theatre in Morris Township featured performances by Kathy Voytko (Evita), Rebecca Pitcher (The Phantom of the Opera), Kimberly Marable (Lion King) and John Edwards and Courter Simmons (Jersey Boys).
Silent auction prizes included a catered dinner by The Flying Meatballs, a hot-air balloon ride, an iPad Air and other items and services from restaurants, theaters, boutiques and wellness specialists.
Kay Failla, mother of the Failla girls, welcomed the 240 guests and got a rousing ovation.
Blaire Reinhard shared stories about Lauren’s friendship and enthusiastic dancing, and Emily’s upbeat nature and warm smile.
She challenged young parents in the audience to imbue their own kids with the values of the Failla family, as the most fitting and enduring legacy for the girls.
The sisters died in separate accidents a few years apart, while in their mid-20s. Emily was a 2000 graduate of Morristown High School; Lauren graduated in 2003.
The Morristown-based foundation named for them supports the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at Morristown Medical Center, the arts mentorship program at Morristown High School, arts residencies through Morris Arts, and a scholarship for a college-bound Morristown High senior.
