Little Silver, NJ -   Every year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Ball (ACS Cancer Ball) develops a theme to attract patrons to what has become one of the most successful American Cancer Society galas in the country.  This ball’s theme-“The Lost City of Atlantis” - had a little help from area teenagers who posed as living statuaries that greeted guests as they arrived at the grand estate of George and Lori Hall of Rumson.

This year’s co-chair Paige Benigno comments, “We are really known for our theme. Therefore, we like to pick something that is compelling and eye-catching. The living statues, which were very appropriate to the theme, were not only compelling but interactive.”

RBR student and Red Bank resident Sophia Gutchinov posed as a statue greeting guests to the 45^th annual American Cancer Society Ball in keeping with “The Lost City of Atlantis” theme. She was joined by fellow RBR students and Barbizon students comprising statuary that entertained ball patrons most of the evening.

The students were procured by the ACS Cancer Ball’s decoration committee volunteer Tricia Frankenfield by contacting the Red Bank Regional (RBR) Visual and Performing Arts Academy. RBR drama teacher Joe Russo, who is very supportive of teenage volunteerism, spread the word and RBR drama students Sophia Gutchinov, Riana Katch, Jenny McKenna (all of Red Bank) and Timmy Niles of Little Silver answered the call to service. They were also joined by area Barbizon students Heather Loezer, Red Bank, Destyni Cooper, Tinton Falls, and Antonia Narducci of Manahawkin.

The students, donning Grecian attire, were painted in white to resemble marble. Their initial duties required them to act as statues gracing the entranceway as guests arrived. Several student statues were even placed on pedestals. They played their roles so well that some guests didn’t realize they were real people. Later they joined the guests inside the main tent to further entertain ball patrons.

This year’s American Cancer Society Cancer Ball held in June on the banks of the Shrewsbury River featured some eye-catching statuary.  Living statues which complimented “The Lost City of Atlantis” theme graced the ball’s entranceway and fraternized with guests. Pictured above are area teenagers:  Heather Loeser, Red Bank, Destyni Cooper, Tinton Falls, Jenny McKenna, Red Bank, Sophia Gutchinov, Red Bank, Timmy Niles, Little Silver and Antonia Narducci of Manahawkin. 

Mrs. Frankenfield relates, “The students really set the mood and conveyed the theme. My favorite part was when they posed for pictures making funny expressions. Everyone loved it!”  She added, “I was also so impressed by the professionalism they brought to their roles.”

This marked the 45^th annual ASC Cancer Ball held in the Two Rivers area. Funds from the gala support both national research grants and local support programs for cancer patients and their families. For more information on the event visit their website at cancerball.org.