First Posted: 4/4/2012
“The Way You Look Tonight” is the theme of this year’s upcoming “Men in Black III” fundraiser to be held April 11 at the Country Club of Scranton. The décor will reflect “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” Frank Sinatra, and his signature style of black and white with a touch of red. According to event co-chair, Diane Calabro, “He (Sinatra) always wore a touch of red in either the lining of his suit jacket or a scarf in his pocket. The décor will be Frank Sinatra’s trademark.”
The event, which will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30, is sponsored by the Abington Business and Professional Association, with musical entertainment provided by The Poets. Carrie Farrell is co-chair for the event that will feature 20 prominent local heartthrobs sporting tuxedos donated by Sarno & Sons. While many organizations have fashion shows featuring women’s clothing, Men in Black is a twist on the traditional . Among the lineup of models to take the runway at the country club are Men in Black newcomers: Mark Lynn, Greg Wall, Ryan Swift, Joe Gentile, Matt Cartwright and Warren Watkins .
Lynn said, “I am a business man that loves working in theAbingtons and was happy to help raise some funds for our community. Also, Diane would not take no for an answer.”
Joe Peters and Steven Farrell are emcees. Last year, Peters, a television and radio personality, participated as a tuxedo model, and this year he was asked to emcee. “Probably because of the live WNEP TV 16 commentary I do, my being a radio talk show host (“Tough Talk with Joe Peters” on 94.3 FM, The Talker) and my role as Executive Director of the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple,” the Lake Winola resident said.
He plans to “make the audience laugh, enjoy the evening, and keep the program moving…,” and “poke a little fun at the guys – me included- as the audience is primarily women.” Peters’ goal for the evening is “to raise as much money as possible to support Abington community events using tuxedos and an elegant evening of fun as a means to raise awareness of the needs of the community and the work of the ABPA.”
Farrell said, “This is a first for me. I was asked to emcee and I gladly accepted because it is for the local community. Men in Black is becoming quite popular. This is also a family affair. My wife is co-chair and my young son will be participating, too. Men modeling is a unique concept. All organizations have women fashion shows. We wanted to be the exception…This year’s theme- Frank Sinatra- adds a level of sophistication and nostalgia. It will be a memorable evening.”
Men in Black committee members are Tim Sterns of Sarno & Sons, Lisa Sniegocki, Rosemary Nye and Karen Thomas.
In addition to defraying the costs associated with presenting the Abington Business and Professional Association’s four signature community events, proceeds will benefit the revitalization of the former Clarks Summit Fire House on State Street. The four Abington Business and Professional Association-sponsored events include: Clarks Summit Festival of Ice; Summerfest/Sidewalk Sales Days; Fall Fun in the Abingtons/Hanging of the Scarecrows; Home for the Holidays/ Holiday Open House.
The revitalization of the former Clarks Summit Fire house is an initiative of the Abington Area Community Classroom, under the auspice of the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board. According to Dori Waters, an Abington Area Community Classroom organizer, the plan is to transform the first floor of the former firehouse into an all-inclusive community art and education center with classrooms for the Abington Area Community Classroom, a new kitchen for cooking classes, an art co-op, a large flex-space or gathering space that would serve the community in a multitude of ways, and studio space for artists with special needs. The mission of the Abington Area Community Classroom is to create an inclusive gathering place that inspires creativity, encourages lifelong learning, nurtures a sense of purpose, provides meaningful recreation and fosters community.
Tickets are $60 per person with a cash bar. For more information, contact Calabro at 587.7000, ext. 1103.