EPC honors Marianne Santo at annual gala
WOODLAND PARK, NJ — The Eastern Produce Council held its 57th annual John J. McAleavey Gala — a night the event’s namesake called “the produce prom” — Saturday, April 6, at the Westmount Country Club, here. This year's dinner dance honored Marianne Santo, the council's former president who died last September.
Santo was passionate about supporting women and people in need, and in her honor the EPC collaborated with Dress Express Boutique, a New Jersey non-profit organization founded with the mission to support young women. Attendees donated more than 100 dresses at the event, according to Theresa Lowden, current president of EPC.
The council also gave bracelets to women attending the gala. "The message behind them is to stop and smell the roses and embrace life, which reminded us of Marianne and her positive approach to life," said Susan McAleavey Sarlund, EPC's executive director.
Kelly Davis, a former vice president of EPC, also spoke to attendees about her close friend: "As many of you can attest, Marianne had a heart of gold and a giving spirit. Being in the produce industry allowed her the space to shine as a leader and as a supporter of causes like Feeding America, local food banks, nonprofits that provide meals to those in need and charities that empower women and young girls."
Carmine Santo also spoke of his gratitude for the relationships his wife formed in the produce industry. "She had a passion for feeding people, educating and advancing this industry as a whole," he said.
The night included a cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment by the Jersey Tenors and a DJ.