Past Halloween’s consisted of finding a last-minute costume, going somewhere for drinks and then being in bed by 11pm. After my big birthday/90’s dance party in July, DJ George Soul and I, immediately decided we should throw another party…. “80’s Halloween Prom”. This time we wanted to go bigger and better, so we teamed up with Marelyn, JC’s queen event planner and girl boss of Allure Events Consultants and cool dude, Dennis from Damaged Wear.  The goal of this party was to raise money for the Jersey City Youth Foundation, an organization that we all really believe in, and need our help especially before the holidays.

HDSID’S Family Halloween Bash

There was a full day of events leading up to our Halloween Prom organized by the wonderful people from HDSID. When Mia woke from her afternoon nap, I slipped her in the only costume like outfit she agreed to wear and we went to check out the festivities on Newark Ave. I have never seen so many kids and strollers  in my life!

Kids in costumes EVERYWHERE energized on free sugar! DJ Pastiche was spinning some funky tunes and all the kids were breaking it down. I felt like I was at a rave with very little people. Every kid had a lollipop in their hands while fist pumping. Fun stuff.

Newark Pedestrian Plaza Halloween Closing Party

A few weeks ago HDSID put out on Facebook that they were looking for flash mobers for their closing party on Newark Ave. Since I actually teach “Beat it” and “Thriller” in my hip hop class I figured I would volunteer and help put it together. Why not?! I’ve always wanted to be in a flashmob anyway. I was fortunate enough to get about 15 volunteers to join, including my brother who landed that same morning from Tel Aviv!  I wore a pair of hot pants and a cute 80’s sweater from the awesome new thrift store “Shop Very” for my big debut.

We all met at Starbucks at 9pm to go over the moves and then off we went to wait for the clock to strike 9:30. When DJ Pastiche put “Beat it” on, the crowd wrapped around us, people where holding their phones; filming and taking pictures and cheering us. It was a proud moment, not going to lie but I really felt the love!

 

So many great pictures of the flash mob! After some tracking down, I got a few people to also send me video! Will this become a yearly tradition?! I hope so!! HDSID call me for the holidays. I have a choreo of a “All I want for Christmas” and “Hannukah song” mashup.

Flashmob Video

Right after the flash mob we all headed to Porto Lounge for our big 80’s Halloween Prom party. There, I changed into my Madonna “Like a virgin” costume, had a shot of tequila and was ready to party.

80’s Halloween Prom

We’ve been planning this party for months! We definitely had our challenges but as Marelyn says “It takes a village…” and we all stepped up to the plate in our own way. DJ George took care of the entertainment, the techy stuff and pretty much kept everyone on the dance floor all night.

Dennis hooked up the candy, balloons, ran errands and maned the door yelling at people to donate “It’s for kids!! don’t be cheap!! Give what you can!”

I did a bunch of different stuff but I can’t remember because I am hungover right now….

and Marelyn, well she was the glue of all this. Hats off to her. Because of her amazing attention to detail this party went off without a hitch! and she is such a sweet heart! she is my new bff. If you need someone reliable to plan an event for you, you need to call this chick. She is on top of her game!

Dead Zebra Carpet

A party needs to have a carpet for people to walk on and an area where they can get their pics taken! I borrowed the carpet from my friend and photog Chris Capaci and we got a dope step and repeat done with all our logos! Did you notice my new one?! (LAUNCHING SOON!). Our photogs of the night were Mickey and Greg and they took some amazing pictures of everyone.

 

The Band

For weeks we’ve been looking for a band to play at our party, after an initial plan fell through, someone recommended we contact DIYGFY. We are all so glad we did, they are awesome, they totally brought the energy up and rocked the house. Thanks guys!!

 

Dancing

I am an 80’s child, and I don’t care how cheesy it is but 80’s music always gets people going. DJ George Soul was playing all our favorite funky beats; Michael Jackson, George Michael and of course Madonna! As I mentioned earlier my brother arrived that same morning from Israel and came to the party. I learned all my dance moves from him! It was so fun doing a little battle with him like in the old days…

After people got some booze in their system DJ George did a cool mix and played some house music, salsa, you name it! At around 2am, I was already dying to go home but the place was till filled with people dancing! I am like “George, play some Bieber so I can go home, thanks bye”

Costumes

We had to choose winners for best costumes and this was rather stressful because the majority of people who dressed up seriously went all out. From 80’s costumes to classic halloween, to down right creepy… We chose a Van Halen, a Fem bot, Edward Scissorhands and a Frankenstein and his bride.

Trekkies, zombies, lizards, dead people, another Madonna and a baboon. #goodtimes

Party Shenanigans

It was a good time. Hard to explain in words because at a certain point I was not in “blogger” mode I was in ultra party mode!! Even photogs Greg and Mickey were breaking it down!! so fun

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Instagram

I asked people to use #halloweenpromJC for any pictures they take at the party and here are some of my favorites! Thanks friends!

 

Gallery

Here are all the rest of the pictures! feel free to share with your friends and networks! but please give the photographer photo cred and let people know this party was for the Jersey City Youth foundation! Help spread the word!

@Gregpallante

@Mickeymathisphotography

 Special thank you’s goes to everyone involved!

• Body and Soul for doing free makeup and hooking us up with a gift card.
• Feena boutique and Tea NJ for hooking up the gift cards.
• Dancing Tony for hooking us up with the technology we needed for the band.
• Porto Lounge for allowing us to take over their space and make a huge mess.
• Chris Capaci for the dead zebra carpet.
• Greg Pallante and Mickey Mathis for taking dope pictures and sending them over the next day.
• DIYGFY for rocking out and adding great energy to the party.
• My hubby Doug for his incredible patience and support.
• DJ George Soul for keeping everyone on the dance floor!
• Dennis for being the best door person, and errand runner.
• Marelyn for making EVERYTHING happen.
• And to whoever came to support this great cause! We raised almost 2,000 for the JC Youth Foundation!

What should be our next theme party?