TEN COUPLES VIE FOR FREE WEDDING BY HELPING CHARITIES

Monday, August 9th, 2010
Finalists in the Roman Jewelers Wedding Contest
The 2010 Finalists in The Roman Jewelers Wedding contest

Ten couples were chosen last week as finalists in the Roman Jewelers Wedding contest, presented by NJ Bride. The contest, sponsored by Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater will award a free wedding to the couple who conducts the most successful fundraiser for a charity.

 The winners were announced at a brunch at the Skylands Manor in Ringwood, NJ after being interviewed the day before by judges Sophie Shor and Lucy Zimmerman from Roman Jewelers and Kate Hartford of Cecilian Worldwide in Flemington.

 “Without a doubt, these couples were chosen because they all were excited, in love, and most importantly determined and capable to make a positive impact for their charity. They will all do well,” said Sophie Shor, co-owner of Roman Jewelers. “Even those who do not have fundraising experience are looking forward to doing something meaningful together before they get married. This isn’t an easy contest…you really do have to do something significant before you win. But the payback is incredible.”

The winner of the contest will receive a free luxury wedding including a reception for 200 guests at The Villa at Mountain Lakes, diamond wedding bands from Roman Jewelers, a wedding gown from Donna Morello Wedding Gowns, entertainment by Craig Scott, floral arrangements by Conroy’s Creations, photography by Transposure Fine Art Photography and Invitations by Occasions. Videography, luxury transportation, skin care and exercise packages, hair and makeup, tuxedos, and a Hawaii honeymoon at the Hilton Waikoloa Village are also part of the package.

The next step in the contest is for the ten finalists to present their ideas in ‘good deed plans’ on August 2nd at an event at Sphericality in Flemington. The couple who then implements their plan the most successfully will win the contest.

Many of the finalists have already worked with charities, from running in 5Ks to volunteering at hospitals, and with local and national charities like Special Olympics, March of Dimes, and food banks. Matt Kleinhans, 25, of Clinton was involved with the Hunterdon United Way and volunteers locally with his church. His fiancée, Gina Marie Mattei, 25, of Hillsborough has volunteered at the Adult Day Care Center in Finderne, for nearly 12 years.

One of the couples, Caroline Burghard, 26,  and Karl Erikson, 32, both of Branchburg Township, shared their love story, explaining how their impending wedding was predicted by a fortune teller during a date at a Greek Festival. “At the time, I did not put too much into it,” Caroline said. But after the couple lost touch for many years and then coincidentally met up again, it seemed as though the fortuneteller may have been right, the couple explained.

Kara Horner, 26, of Lambertville joked that the first guy that came “all the way to Lambertville” to take her on a date would be “the one.” Then Adam Bottino, 26, did just that! Furthermore, the engaged couple now calls Lambertville home.

Other finalists are: Samantha Holtz, 24, and Matthew West, 27, of Bernardsville; Lisa Zolnowski, 36, of  Flemington and John Sansone, 37, of Toms River; Michael Aschettino, 26,  and Jennifer Janosko, 29, of South River; Alexander Barthalis, 28, and Ann Marie Florek, 25, of North Brunswick and Manville, respectively; Lisa Rice, 28, and Patrick Cashin, 29, of Perth Amboy; Clelia Alfano, 26, and Brandon Pergola, 29, of Totowa and Jimmy Silvestri, 34, and Marah Winkler, 33, of Forked River.

"MASTERS OF RECEPTION" TEAM UP WITH ROMAN JEWELERS

Monday, June 21st, 2010
The Frungillo Brothers

Roman Jewelers Partners with TLC stars Robert (L) and Jerry (R) Frungillo to host this year's Roman Jewelers Wedding presented by New Jersey Bride magazine

Mountain Lakes – Jerry and Robert Frungillo, stars of TLC TV show Masters of Reception have teamed up with a luxury jeweler and New Jersey Bride magazine to give away a free wedding. The contest, created by Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater invites engaged couples to compete for the wedding by raising money or making a difference for one of ten New Jersey charities. 

Known for throwing lavish weddings at their four locations – The Villa, Skylands Manor, The Mezzanine and Oakeside Mansion – Frungillo Caterers (www.frungillo.com) was chosen for TLC’s TV show over 100 other caterers.They like how we go out of our way for our events and our brides and grooms. They witnessed it first hand and liked our family atmosphere and how Robert and I are so involved in what happens every day — selecting menus, purchasing fresh items, and training our staff ourselves. They like how we never say no, we just keep going and going until people are happy.” 

 The Frungillos were happy to get involved in a giveaway that gives back to the community. “It’s nice to help people out during these tough times,” explains Jerry, the older of the two brothers. 

 Along with developing a passion for doing whatever it takes to make their clients happy, the Frungillo brothers learned the importance of helping others early on. “If something ever happened to someone we knew, my father would be the first one to house offering to help out, we learned that lesson and are always helping out organizations and individuals,” admits Robert. 

 Although Frungillo Caterers has given away a wedding reception in the past, this contest is far different.  Now in it’s second year, The Roman Jewelers Wedding combines romance with philanthropy. To win the luxury wedding prize, brides and grooms-to-be will have the make a difference for ten New Jersey non-profit organizations. 

Last year’s contest, created to celebrate Roman Jewelers’ 20th Anniversary and help area charities raise funds and awareness in tough economic times raised nearly $100,000 for charity in 6 short weeks. “Our couples did such a good job. They worked so hard and the community is so thankful.  We don’t expect any less from this year’s contest,” said Roman Jewelers’ co- owner Sophie Shor.  “We’re expecting more,” she adds with a smile.At auditions on July 17, 2010 at The Villa at Mountain Lakes, couples will tell their compelling love story to a panel of judges from 9am to 2:30pm. At 2:30, judges will announce twenty semifinalist couples that will have two weeks to develop a creative and original “Good Deed Plans” to help their chosen charity.

The ten best plans will be chosen to move on as finalists and compete to win the grand prize; a free luxury wedding including a reception with food and drinks for 200 guests at The Villa, diamond wedding bands from Roman Jewelers, a couture wedding gown from Donna Morello Wedding Gowns, entertainment by Craig Scott, floral arrangements by Conroy’s Creations, professional photography by Transposure Fine Art Photography and invitations by Occasions. Videography, luxury transportation, skin care and exercise packages, hair and makeup, tuxedos, and a honeymoon at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s big island are also all included.

Finalist couples will have approximately eight weeks to implement their “Good Deed Plans on behalf their Charitable Partners which include Make-A-Wish Foundationâ of New Jersey, Special Olympics New Jersey, Anderson House, Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, America’s Grow-a-Row, The Arc of Hunterdon, Hunterdon Art Museum, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, SAFE in Hunterdon and the Hunterdon County YMCA. 

The winning couple will be announced at Flemington’s Renaissance Plaza in October. They will be chosen based on the couple’s love story, their dedication to helping others, the impact they’ve had on charity and the results of their Good Deed. 

To register and find out more information about the luxury wedding visit www.romanjewelers.com

JEWELER CONTINUES WEDDING CONTEST TO RAISE CHARITABLE AWARENESS

Friday, June 4th, 2010

For the second year, Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater will giveaway a luxury wedding to a couple who makes the biggest impact on one of ten New Jersey charities

 

Flemington – A lucky couple who makes the biggest difference by conducting an original and creative philanthropic initiative can win a free luxury wedding in this year’s Roman Jewelers Wedding Contest presented by Roman Jewelers of Flemington & Bridgewater and New Jersey Bride magazine.

Last year’s contest, originally created to celebrate Roman Jewelers’ 20th Anniversary and help area charities raise funds and awareness in tough economic times, was so successful they decided to hold it again.  Thanks to the efforts of ten dedicated finalist couples, the inaugural contest raised nearly $100,000 for ten area non-profits in 6 short weeks.

“There was an outpouring of interest from area residents and charities. Last year’s couples did such a good job. They worked so hard and the community is so thankful.  We don’t expect any less from this year’s contest,” said Roman Jeweler’s store co- owner Sophie Shor.  “We’re expecting more,” she adds with a smile.

Roman Jewelers is pleased to partner with generous area businesses such as Frungillo Caterers, owned by Jerry and Robert Frungillo, known for stunning catering venues and their TV show, Masters of Reception on TLC.

“We are also pleased to partner with New Jersey Bride magazine, whose coverage of the contest will further help the charities’ causes,” says Shor.

The Roman Jewelers Wedding is the only luxury wedding give giveaway where contestants first ‘do good’ before they say “I
do.”

Couples interested in winning their dream luxury wedding by helping others should register online then attend auditions on Saturday, July 17th at the Villa at Mountain Lakes, in Mountain Lakes, NJ. Those who attend will tell their love story to a panel of judges, after which 20 couples will be chosen to compete as semifinalists.

Once chosen, semifinalists will develop “Good Deed Plans,” or philanthropic initiatives for one of the ten Charitable Partners involved in the event.” The 10 most impressive plans will move on as finalists and implement their “Good Deeds” from August 2nd to September 30th, 2010.

The winning couple will be announced at Flemington’s Renaissance Plaza in October. They will be chosen based on the couple’s love story, their dedication to helping others, the impact they’ve had on charity and the results of their Good Deed.

To register and find out more information about the luxury wedding visit www.romanjewelers.com

About The Roman Jewelers Wedding, presented by New Jersey Bride:

The Roman Jewelers Wedding is a luxury-wedding giveaway combined with philanthropic outreach.  From July 17 to October 7, 2010 soon-to-be-married couples will compete to win a free luxury wedding by raising money or making a difference for one of ten New Jersey charities. Last year’s inaugural contest raised approximately $100,000 in only 6 weeks. 

This year’s winning couple will receive a luxury wedding courtesy of Roman Jewelers and its ‘Romantic Partners,’ a group of premier New Jersey wedding vendors.  Their reception at The Villa at Mountain Lakes, owned by Robert and Jerry Frungillo of TLC’s Masters of Reception television show, will be complemented by various accoutrements from Frungillo Caterers, Mariage Couture, Conroy’s Creations, Transposure Fine Art Photography, Craig Scott Entertainment, honeymoon by Hilton Waikoloa Village at Waikoloa Beach Resort in Hawaii, Mikimoto, Absolute Media Productions, Dieci Lifestyle Spa, Dress for Success, LeMedSpa, NJ Limo Bus & Limousine, Occasions, Opulent Events, Printech, Sphericality and Roman Jewelers.

About Roman Jewelers:

Roman Jewelers is a family owned and operated store with locations in Flemington and the Bridgewater Commons Shopping Mall in Bridgewater. Roman Jewelers specializes in custom jewelry design, fine jewelry including diamond and bridal jewelry, designer jewelry and jewelry repairs.   The Roman Jewelers Flemington location also offers a wide selection of fine Swiss watches. Additional information about Roman Jewelers is available at the company’s website, www.romanjewelers.com.

The Roman Jewelers Wedding 2009

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Last year, ten soon-to-be married couples helped others before the lucky winning couple said “I do.” In just six weeks, ten finalist couples made a significant difference in the lives of others by implementing “Good Deed Plans”, generating widespread awareness for each charitable cause, and raising a total of: $99,532.33.  Curious to know more?  Feel free to read through last year’s articles.

Winners of Roman Jewelers Wedding Giveaway To Be Married Valentine's Weekend

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Flemington– Joseph Panico and Angela Rotella of Three Bridges will be married Saturday, February 13. Their Valentine’s weekend wedding is the result of hard work and dedication to helping others while competing in The Roman Jewelers Wedding contest.

Their journey to the free wedding began August 15, 2009 when they auditioned for a wedding giveaway hosted by Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater. After being selected, they and 19 other semifinalist couples were charged with creating philanthropic initiatives for one of ten local charities. The ten most creative and original couples were chosen as finalists.

After implementing their “Good Deed Plans” for six weeks, the twenty young philanthropists gathered at Roman Jewelers with family and friends to find out who won the luxury wedding of their dreams. In that time they had raised $99,532.33.

Thanks to their remarkable efforts on behalf of Special Olympics New Jersey, soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Panico were announced winners amidst a wave of applause and confetti. In total, the couple raised over $33,000, spread awareness to over 45,000 fans at sporting events, and reached countless people through donated radio and television Public Service Announcements.

According to Mr. Panico, what would have “been a low key party with close family,” has swelled to a 190 guest celebration at The Palace at Somerset Park. “Winning the wedding has also allowed us to celebrate this special occasion with our extended family and friends,” says Ms. Rotella. “We are extremely excited about the great venue. Our guests will be in awe over the beauty and service. We’re also very excited for our elaborate floral arrangements and the breathtaking bridal gown,” she continues.

Thanks to numerous local businesses, which like Roman Jewelers see the benefit of helping others, the lucky couple’s nuptials will come free of charge.

When asked about the “Romantic Partners,” Sophie Shor, owner of Roman Jewelers says, “Angela and Joe deserve a great wedding. All the efforts of Roman Jewelers and our Romantic Partners are coming together to make their wedding so special. I cannot wait for Angela to walk down the isle in her gorgeous dress by Donna Morello.”

“We have been very blessed and are grateful for what each of the partners has provided. Roman Jewelers has arranged a great event and truly understands the value of community service. We never expect any type of incentive for our charitable work, but truly appreciate the Romantic Partners’ gifts and intend on paying their generosity forward,” says Joe.

The businesses making this young couple’s dream come true include; Roman Jewelers, The Palace of Somerset Park, Mariage Couture Wedding Gowns, Transposure Fine Art Photography, Conroy’s Creations floral, Icon Hair Studio, Ellie Kowal Cakes Couture, AAA Guaranteed On-time Limousine, LeMedSpa, Occasions, Flemington Department Store, Tacori, Scott Kay, and Mikimoto.

To learn about their contributions and see how beautiful the wedding turns out visit http://weddings.romanjewelers.com

Hunterdon Review: Couple connects with more than 14,000 people to aid Arc

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

The incessant rains on Saturday, Oct. 3, failed to dampen the spirits of Clinton resident Amie Kotalic, fiancé Daniel Sekula of Lebanon Township and more than 150 supporters as they connected more than 14,000 links, wrapping around Main Street in Clinton, two and half times over.

In an effort to create awareness about the Arc of Hunterdon located in the Annandale section of Clinton Township, which provides support, training and opportunities to people with developmental disabilities, the young couple set out to create the record for the longest chain of signatures.

They sold each link in the chain for a dollar as part of their “Get Connected with the ARC” campaign.

“It was a truly powerful experience to be walking down Main Street, seeing one link after another lining the sidewalks, “ said Kotalic in an interview.

Sekula, who is part of the U.S. military and was last deployed in Afghanistan, and Kotalic, a special education middle school teacher at the Jay Cooke Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pa., were among 10 finalists in the “Roman Jewelers Wedding Contest,” which was held to commemorate a couple that proved they could work together and make a difference in the community. As part of the competition, which culminated last month, each finalist couple was tasked with executing their “Good Deed Plan” working with representatives of local charities.

“Connection Day” was a huge success, said an excited Kotalic. “The two-thirds mile-long paper chain began at the bridge on Halstead Street, the location of our first kiss, and wrapped around Main Street, the location of our first date,“ added Sekula.

More than 14,000 people connected with the couple, signing links, some from as far away as Japan. Local businesses sponsored two elementary schools, enabling children to participate. Kearns Funeral Home located in Readington sponsored the Jay Cooke Elementary School, with each student signing two links each. The law office of Rylak, Gianos, Kearns and Phillips, located in the Town of Clinton, sponsored the Immaculate Conception School in Clinton for each student to sign a link.

On Connection Day, Dr. D Entertainment provided music and entertainment, while Philly Soft Pretzels and Rita’s Italian Ice donated refreshments to the crowd.

In an interview, Amy Fink, foundation director of the Arc of Hunterdon, said, “The event had a great showing of community support. Family members, Arc friends, high school students, Key Club members, corporate citizens, government employees and elementary aged children all contributed to the links. Whether people sold links, stapled links or helped put it all together in downtown Clinton, everyone played a major role.”

Fink said the Arc will be planning the “Get Connected with Arc” as an annual event and tying it into their “Step Up for the Arc Walk,” which takes place in Clinton in October.

During these difficult economic times, the gift that the young couple is providing to the Arc has significant organizational impact, added Fink. “The contribution to the Arc is incredible; it reflects the hard work and dedication of Amy and Dan. They had great conviction about helping us and therefore, helping our clients and their families,” she said.

Jeweler Scott Kay, one of the judges of the wedding contest, said picking the winning couple, Joseph Panico of Readington and Angela Rotella of Flemington, was a hard call. He said Kotalic and Sekula had the most practical idea with connecting links. “They asked little from the masses and got over 14,000 people involved and aware,” he said. Kotalic and Sekula were recognized as the “Most Creative Couple” and received Raymond Weil His and Hers watches.

Fink said, Kotalic and Sekula had forever impacted the Arc. “They have established friendships and a level of caring that is rare and should be cherished. The Arc of Hunterdon is honored to have had Amy and Dan represent us. The incredible effort and enthusiasm with which they approached this project makes them winners in our eyes regardless of the results of the competition.”

“We hope they realize the impact they have had on so many lives,” she added.

Hunterdon Review:Hunterdon couple wins dream luxury wedding

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

A pair of 23-year-olds, Joseph Panico of Readington Township and Angela Rotella of Flemington, won the “Roman Jewelers Wedding Contest” which culminated on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Renaissance Plaza in Flemington.

The couple will receive an all-expense paid dream luxury wedding valued at $100,000 from Roman Jewelers and other local businesses as part of a competition held to commemorate a couple that proved they could work together and make a difference in the community.

Moments after winning the contest, Panico said in an interview, “We weren’t really expecting to win. We worked so hard and now to know that all the things that we have done have paid off… it’s truly an amazing feeling. It is a blessing to have just been a part of this.”

Semi-finalists in the wedding contest, which drew more than 70 couples from the tri-state area, worked with representatives of 10 local charities to develop a “Good Deed Plan.” Ten finalist couples, selected on how well they impressed the judges with their plans, were then tasked to execute their plan over a six-week-period.

Panico and Rotella raised more than $33,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ), a not-for-profit organization that offers year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness and their skills.

To create awareness about SONJ’s programs, the young couple organized five events that hosted over 100 athletes from SONJ during games at professional sporting events of the Camden Riversharks, Lakewood BlueClaws, New Jersey Devils, Newark Bears and the Somerset Patriots. The athletes and programs of the organization were introduced to the crowds at the games. “The athletes smiled the entire time. When they were being cheered for by thousands of fans, you could see their faces light up even more,“ Panico said.

In an interview, Marc Edenzon, president of SONJ, said the couple demonstrated a very sincere passion for the organization and the athletes. “They realized that it wasn’t just a contest. It was something more,” Edenzon said.

He added that they had done a remarkable job in accepting athletes as their friends and partners in this project. “Joe and Angela were truly exceptional and we were proud to have them represent us in this campaign.”

Important Lessons

Renowned jeweler Scott Kay, one of the judges, said the contest ended up teaching the finalist couples many important lessons. He added that the impact of the philanthropic events, more than the dollars raised, will be felt in the community.

Working with the Annandale-based Arc of Hunterdon, which provides support and opportunities to persons with developmental disabilities, area finalists, Amie Kotalic of Clinton and Daniel Sekula of Lebanon Township, created the Annual Record Challenge (ARC) to get the community involved with the non-profit organization. The couple sold $1 links in an effort to establish the record for the longest chain of signatures as part of their “Get Connected with ARC” plan. Amy Fink, foundation director, said the links provided them an opportunity to introduce new people to the Arc. She said that “the message of the contest expanded into educating people about the cause and the necessity of the work of the Arc.” The couple raised more than $14,000 by connecting their links, which were wrapped around Main Street in Clinton two and half times over.

Kay said picking the winner was a hard call. He said Kotalic and Sekula had the most practical idea with connecting links. “They asked little from the masses and got more than 14,000 people involved and aware,” he said.

The wedding is scheduled for Valentine day, Sunday, Feb. 14. Panico said they haven’t had an opportunity to realize the scope of what had just happened. “We are very excited about the next few months, and look forward to being part of Special Olympics New Jersey’s family for a long time.”

Panico and Rotella win luxury wedding valued at $100,000

Monday, October 12th, 2009

FLEMINGTON – Joseph Panico of Readington Township and fiancé Angela Rotella of Flemington, who spread the message of Special Olympics New Jersey, edged out other finalist couples in theRoman Jewelers Wedding Contest, which culminated at the Renaissance Plaza in Flemington today.

Moments after winning the contest, Panico excitedly said “We weren’t really expecting to win… it’s an added bonus.”

The young couple receives an all expense paid luxury wedding valued at $100,000 for proving they can work together and make a difference in the community. The prize includes a reception at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, his and her diamond wedding bands, wedding cake, food, drinks and music.

Panico and Rotella organized for five professional sports teams to host athletes from Special Olympics, which provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The athletes and the programs of the organization were introduced to the crowds at the games of the New Jersey Devils,Camden Riversharks, Lakewood BlueClaws, Newark Bears and the Somerset Patriots.

The couple will also be literally “taking the plunge” at the Crystal Lake in Oakland on November 28 to benefit the Special Olympics New Jersey.

As part of the contest, the ten finalist couples executed their ‘Good Deed Plans’ and raised money and created awareness for local charities – Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, SAFE in Hunterdon, Hunterdon County YMCA, Special Olympics New Jersey, Hunterdon Art Museum, St. Hubert’s, Bonnie Brae School, The Arc of Hunterdon, and the Flemington Food Pantry.

Rotella said, “We have an amazing amount of respect and appreciation for all of the organizations in our community that offer charitable support to those with needs.”

The contest was judged by jewelry designer Scott Kay, Molly Tully, editor of New Jersey Bridemagazine and Roman Shor, owner of Roman Jewelers.

The wedding date is set for February 14 next year.

Hunterdon couple wins wedding by raising $33K for Special Olympics

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

HUNTERDON COUNTY — Joe Panico and Angela Rotella raised more than $33,000 for the Special Olympics of New Jersey to win what promises to be an unforgettable $100,000 wedding. But in the wake of winning the Roman Jewelers wedding grand prize, the couple said the race to victory was just as rewarding.

The couple was awarded the grand prize Thursday at Roman Jewelers in Flemington in a competition that pitted 10 couples against one another in a bid to come up with the most creative and effective philanthropic project to benefit various organizations across the state in a six-week period.

“In a world of Bridezillas, where weddings are all about selfishness, we thought by putting philanthropy with weddings that it would be that much more meaningful to those involved,” said Sophie Shor, owner of the event’s chief sponsor, Roman Jewelers.

Panico, of the Three Bridges section of Readington, and Rotella, of Flemington, raised a total of $33,647 for the Special Olympics of New Jersey through their project “Taking the Plunge,” which solicited donations while hosting over 100 Special Olympics athletes at professional sporting events throughout the state.

The couple said spending time with the Special Olympics athletes and watching them smile with excitement when they were featured at the events — such as being brought onto the ice at a New Jersey Devils game — kept them going.

“Watching people smile that really deserve to smile, it’s like its own energy source,” Panico said.

Panico and Rotella will be married on Feb. 14 and will be treated to a $100,000 wedding that includes a gala reception at the Palace at Somerset Park for 200 people.

“We’ve been doing this every day, I haven’t even chosen my bridesmaids yet,” she said.

But she said she wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.

“Everybody remembers their wedding day, but we’ll never forget the six weeks that led up to it,” Rotella said.

Wedding contest winners to be announced today

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

FLEMINGTON – After weeks of doing philanthropic work, the winning couple in the Roman Jewelers Wedding Contest is being announced today at the Renaissance Plaza in Flemington.

The winners will receive an all expense paid luxurywedding valued at $100,000 courtesy of Roman Jewelers and the Roman Jewelers Wedding Romantic Partners. The wedding will include all of the essentials – from rings and dresses, to the venue, flowers, music, food and beverages.

Over the past two months, the ten finalist couples have been raising money and creating awareness for local charities – Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, SAFE in Hunterdon, Hunterdon County YMCA, Special Olympics New Jersey, Hunterdon Art Museum, St. Hubert’s, Bonnie Brae School, The Arc of Hunterdon, and the Flemington Food Pantry.

Whether through selling paper chain links for a dollar a piece and making a two-thirds mile long paper chain around Main Street Clinton to support The Arc of Hunterdon, taking Special Olympics athletes to a New Jersey Devils hockey game, or inviting musicians to participate in an American Idol style singing and band competition, the couples have successfully implemented their creative ‘Good Deed Plans’.

The couples raised over $75,000 in cash donations for charity. A combination of local business, corporations, and supporters also contributed over $23,000 of in-kind donations.

Sophie Shor, co-owner of Roman Jewelers said the contest had been a wonderful experience. “It is heart warming to know that our couples have dedicated so much time and energy to helping others,” she said.

The finalists include Kate Walsh, 27, and John Covey, 31, both of Robbinsville; Jackie Fitzgerald, 27, and Brian Keelan, 28, both of Toms River; Sheena Schuler, 26, of Hasbrouck Heights and Julius Bellamy, 27, of Maplewood; Dawn Giuliano and Vince Mueller, both of Lyndhurst; Tanya Hrehovcik of Little Falls and Daniel MacDonnell of Berlin; Bianca Ruffin, 22, of Branchburg and Dominick Distano, 23, of Branchburg currently serving in Iraq; Allison Gross of Frenchtown and Joe Mulgrew of Gloucester; Amie Kotalic, 24, of Clinton and Daniel Sekula, 26, of Glen Gardner; Jenah Farnella of Green Brook and Ilia Kliot of Dumont; Angela Rotella, 23, of Flemington and Joe Panico, 23, of Three Bridges.

The achievements of the finalist couples will be judged by renowned jewelry designer Scott Kay, Molly Tully, editor of New Jersey Bride magazine and Roman Shor, president and co-owner of Roman Jewelers.