Illness Causes Real Housewife Jacqueline Laurita to Miss Fundraiser
Reality star unable to attend a shopping benefit for Cedar Grove resident Frank Napolitano, who is battling several forms of cancer.
Photos
Although New Jersey Housewife Jacqueline Laurita couldn't make it to Victor's Chateau Wednesday night, organizers for a fundraiser for cancer patient Frank Napolitano, said the evening was a success.
Laurita, of NJ Housewives fame, was expected to be the guest of honor at the shopping fundraiser held at Victor’s Chateau in Little Falls.
But she called out sick.
Starstruck residents arrived anticipating the appearance of a reality TV star for a charity fundraiser.
As the event started, however, word quickly spread Bravo TVs Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jacqueline Laurita had fallen ill and would not be attending the shopping event to raise money for resident Frank Napolitano.
This was the third fundraiser for Napolitano, who is battling various forms of cancer. This is the first event organized by Sassy Shop Girl.
Event organizer Edel Di Gangi said she received an apologetic email from Laurita Wednesday evening saying she would not be attending because she came down with an illness after caring for her children, who had been sick the past two days.
“Jacqueline is very loyal, very kind and very true,” said Di Gangi. “She is very supportive and has attended our charities in the past.”
“I know that if she says she's sick, then she's sick,” she added.
While attendees were disappointed they would meet Laurita, they were excited by the vast choices of merchandise.
The event featured unique items from 40 vendors showcasing exclusive fashion accessories. Di Gangi's sister, Martha Fava, displayed items from her Sassy Shop Girl online store as well as from her new store, Runway, in Caldwell.
Penny Lombardi of Roseland has attended the Sassy Shop Girl events for the past three years.
“I love the different kinds of unique items and I love, love, love shopping,” she said, adding that she has met Laurita at a shopping event in the past. “I'm disappointed but I understand why she can't be here.”
“I just love to be able to shop for a good cause,” she continued.
At the beginning of the night Di Gangi said she hoped to draw in 400 people and raise around $1,500.
“Its a great thing,” she said. “Whether it’s a little or a lot, it’s great to be able to help the Napolitano family.
Different shoppers echoed her sentiments as they left the event.
“It was a great event, a lot of people showed up and it’s for a good cause,” said Dolores Catania of Franklin Lakes.
Napolitano, who has Stage 4 cancer, was sick and did not attend the fundraiser, but his wife, Julie, said the fundraisers were “overwhelming.”
“My friends and family are here,” Julie Napolitano said, “Words can’t express how thankful we are. My husband wishes he could be here.”
Leasha Knight
1:40 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2012
I hope this message gets to Jacqueline , I did not sleep at all last night. I live in Louisiana and just want you to know that I am sure there are many more people than just me, that are praying for your little boy. You just seem like family. I watched what you went thru to get pregnant. And what a beautiful baby he is. I do not know why these things happen to good people and innocent children. But I do know that prayer works. I am a mother of three sons and grandmother of three. There has not been one day in their lives that I have not prayed for their safety or health. I wish you to know that I have added Nicholas to my prayer list. I guess that is why I didn't sleep last night. I kept waking up thinking about that beautiful baby, and asking God "What is autisum?' Love your sweetheart, and I am sure that you have had a lot of negative experiences with being on a national show, but please be assured that there are many more like me, praying for you beautiful little boy. He has the sweetest face I have ever seen
InterestedParty
4:06 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2012
whoa. I think Mr. Napolitano could use the prayers, wrong forum.
Milania Marie
8:25 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
She wasn't sick on twitter all day
Milania Marie
8:25 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
I mean no disrespect but your asking the wrong lady to be a guest of honor, I'm sorry about her son, But it is also very disturbing that a woman who is in the public eye has promoted cyber bulling absolutely disgusting, She has to to bash former co-star Teresa Giudice publicly for 2 years, She sends fans rude messages if someone calls her out on her behavior, Telling strangers about Teresa's very personal Family life that should never be repeated to anyone, She is no role model what so ever,,,,And the fact she couldn't show up to such an important event but be on twitter day before, day of, day after... I honestly mean no disrespect to this article, but her antics need to be addressed and she should be putting on a fake appearance when it only benefits her and should in no way promote bully which she does... http://photoshoppedpics.wordpress.com/category/twitter/
lily24
11:16 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
Jacqueline was sick with a cough "hangover" cough.
Dee
9:22 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
To be quite honest, from what I personally saw, no one I talked to was their to see Jacqueline and I am sorry that this article made her the focal point. We were there to support Frank and his family during this very difficult time. For the people I was with she wasn't even a thought.
Sue F
8:56 am on Sunday, October 7, 2012
Omg what is WRONG with people??!! Seriously people: this fundraiser was for Frank & his family, not about Jaqueline or her son or anyone else. Knowing Frank & his family personally, I find it extremely disrespectful that folks are using this forum to bitch about Jaqueline & why she didn't show up. What's important here is that people DID show up for the support of Mr. Napolitano & his family who are going through a much more difficult time than most people right now. So instead of focusing on why Jackie didn't show up, how about focusing on the fact that you are alive & love your family every day because its not a right, it's a gift and everyone should be thankful because not everyone is as fortunate as the next person. May God watch over Mr. Napolitano & his family during this difficult time. And "thank you" to the suporters & organizers who helped make Wednesday nights event a success (with or without Lauritas help!!!!!)
Milania
10:22 am on Monday, October 8, 2012
Title of Article reads,,,Illness Causes Real Housewife Jacqueline Laurita to Miss Fundraiser ...You yourself did what you called us out for "Complaining" But nobody here was being disrespectful at all and personally find very offending of you to say to assume that. You are 100% Correct Mr. Napolitano & his family who are going through a extremly difficult and heart wrenching time need everyones support, and that's why comments were wrote , because something of this importance should not have been just blown off With lies. The Article that was written was about Laurita missing fundraiser because of illness..So by you coming on here assuming we are not thankful for our own lives or saying we are wrong or what we need to focus on is not ok, And VERY hyprocritical since you yourself just said "I find it extremely disrespectful that folks are using this forum to bitch about Jacqueline" And i do agree "May God watch over Mr. Napolitano & his family during this difficult time." But i also believe this woman should be called out on her actions, When and if you say your going to do something as an important as this then FOLLOW THROUGH!!! DON'T LIE ABOUT BEING SICK..So please don't try to shift this around and make us feel as if we did wrong..And FYI all comments have to be aproved so the owner of Article seemed to think it was ok to post...