By Marie Pfeifer
Operation Bling brings pleasure and joy to oncology patients of all ages who are undergoing cancer treatments as in-patients and outpatients.
Christine and Bill Ferdinand are hosting a wine-tasting fundraiser in Morristown on Friday, June 3, to raise funds to continue the foundation they began three years ago. In a telephone interview Bill explained how he and his wife Christine got the idea to provide Bling to oncology patients.
“Our friend and customer, Barbara, was hospitalized as a result of ovarian cancer. She told them how she really missed her bling but was afraid it would get lost or stolen in between treatments.”
Since oncology patients cannot have flowers in their rooms, the Ferdinands over-nighted some cubic zirconium rings and delivered a ring to her.
Bill said, “When we saw how happy it made her feel we got the idea to do this for more patients.”
The foundation has become very successful in just three years. Yearly events raise money that provides bling for 13 hospitals in three states, and over 7,000 gifts. They plan to go nationwide in the near future.
The wine tasting runs from 6 to 9 pm at 55 Bank Street, in the former Mini Cooper dealership (one block south of the Green).
There will be more than 100 wines from Midtown Wine Merchant, Morristown. Appetizers are by Café Beethoven, Chatham, and there will be a performance by “Flutatious!,” a four-piece flute ensemble. Free door prizes will be awarded and “Bling Gifts” will be offered for sale.
All proceeds will go directly to the Operation Bling Foundation.
Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the door. They are available at:
- Ferdinand Jewelers, New Providence
- Midtown Wine Merchants, Morristown
- Café Beethoven, Chatham
- Online at www.operationbling.org
If you order online, tickets will be held at the door.
