Friends and lovers of fashion and a good cause came together at the Jewel restaurant in Melville on Thursday Feb. 26, to celebrate the momentous 11th anniversary of the Michael Magro Foundation.
For the first time in their history, the Hicksville-based charity hosted a fashion runway show. Guests were gussied in their most decadent attire, from cocktail dresses to semi-formal and evening gowns. But the beauty of the night was Terrie Magro, the co-founder of the Michael Magro Foundation. She, along with husband and co-founder Paul Magro, were the epitome of elegance and style as they worked the floor during the cocktail portion of the evening. Eventually, guests quieted as the marquee of the evening dimmed the lights and played a short video about the foundation, their mission and the story of Michael Magro.
Growing up, Michael was described as a “peacemaker,” and a very energetic kid. He loved to do what most kids did: play video games, watch movies and participate in lacrosse, his favorite sport. In 2004, Michael became very sick with pneumonia, and eventually developed leukemia. Unfortunately, his diagnosis was not promising, and within a few short months, Michael lost his battle to cancer at age 13. From that point on, Terrie and Paul decided that instead of grieving, they would take action and try to provide support for other families with children, teens and even young adults going through the diagnosis and progression of cancer.
“We created the Michael Magro Foundation in 2004, and by 2005 had become incorporated…we found that we liked to help families in similar situations, and while it was therapy for them, it was also therapeutic for us, too,” Terrie said.
Models brought in by choreographer Lisa Diamond, as well as volunteer models from Jewel restaurant, strutted the stage in gorgeous fashions. Mixology of Woodbury provided two sets of casual wear items, while Estelle’s Dressy Dresses of Farmingdale provided eveningwear and cocktail dresses. One of the models included last year’s Miss Latino Long Island. Bocu Salon of Commack provided hair and make-up services for each model and Jem Entertainment donated several floral pieces for the special evening. Other donated items went towards various raffle prizes.
In regards to the cost of the entire event, “No exact numbers yet,” Terrie said, “…but we’re always asking people for donations for these and other events. If you have something you aren’t using, we’ll always be the first to take it.”
Throughout the night, guests were wined and dined with delectable appetizers and plentiful drinks as the DJ played an eclectic mix of music. The night was surely one to remember as nearly every seat was occupied for the fashion show, and guests smiled ear to ear at the sight and decoration of the spectacular event. While celebrating a momentous, and historic event for the foundation, guests were also humbled by Terrie and Paul’s incredible journey with Michael, cancer and the amazing triumph their family made over the past 11 years.
Find out more about the Michael Magro Foundation and its upcoming events at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com or by calling 516-935-4510.
