About Our Event
Our First Magical Night ....
Our little girl Lilliana, a smart and sassy two year old, was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata when she was ten months old. Devastated and confused, we were told to go the NAAF website for more information. There’s no cure for your baby girl. No cure.
So after several months of feeling sad, confused and just plain heart-broken, we decided it was time to do something positive, something that would make our little girl proud of when she was old enough to understand why she had no hair. Why there aren’t any Barbie dolls that looked like her.
We decided to participate in a four-day event called the Toms River Fest in July 2006. With the help of family and friends, 
we set up an awareness booth that enabled us, and those working at the booth, to educate over 500 people on Alopecia Areata.
We could not stop there. On October 27th, 2006 with family and friends by our side, we held our first fundraising reception at The Renaissance in Ocean Township, NJ for the Foundation. We called it the “Let Your Hair Down” Fundraising Reception. We wanted it to be an uplifting night, one that celebrated those affected by this disease. Hosted by Steven Lance, a dear friend of ours, guests spent hours mingling, eating and participating in a variety of auctions. Vicki Kalabokes, CEO of NAAF graciously gave a talk on the Foundation and the research that is going on. Maureen McGettigan, the newest member of the Board of Directors for NAAF shared her story and life with everyone.
A special visit was made by the head reporter for the Asbury Park Press. She wrote a beautiful front page story in the Community section about Lilliana, the event and of course, Alopecia Areata. This newspaper is distributed to over 200,000 households.
We thank all of the area and out-of-state businesses that contributed to our successful night as well as all attendees and volunteers. We couldn't have done it without you.