Mother-daughter team organizing annual MS Society fundraiser

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
   HILLSBOROUGH — They feel a strong commitment to the cause because of family members dealing with multiple sclerosis, and now two township women are continuing to do their part by chairing an annual luncheon to raise money for MS research.
   ”The cause is very important to us,” said Lauren Fenster, who is running the event with her mother, Cynthia Neufeld, on behalf of the Women Against Multiple Sclerosis New Jersey Chapter. “We feel a strong commitment to the MS Society’s goal (to find a cure).”
   The luncheon, which is now in its fourth year, will be held Tuesday at the Forsgate Country Club, in Monroe. Guests participating in a silent auction and purchasing items from boutiques represented at the luncheon will be donating money to go toward research and the search for a cure for the debilitating disease.
   ”We’ve been part of the luncheon for three years, but we are co-chairing this year,” Ms. Fenster said.
   Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord, and can leads to physical or cognitive disabilities, as the disease causes the immune system to attack the body’s central nervous system.
   Aside from the luncheon, which Ms. Neufeld said will feature a three-course sit-down meal, guests will be invited to bid on a variety of items during the silent auction, including tickets to theater events and concerts, children’s furniture, accessories for the home, Lenox china pieces, wines, sports memorabilia and vacation destinations.
   At the boutique stands, Ms. Fenster said, the women will be able to browse through furs, jewelry, handbags, photography and other items.
   ”The funds raised will go to support research and (people) with the disease,” she said.
   Ms. Fenster said tickets, which cost $125, are still available. She said the Forsgate Country Club was chosen as the location this year because it can accommodate a large number of people.
   Because they have experience with the disease itself, Ms. Fenster and Ms. Neufeld said they would like to see a day when the disease can be cured, and they are using this luncheon as one step toward accomplishing that goal.
   ”We need to be able to reach the goal of a world free of MS,” Ms. Neufeld said. “But we will feel we have really accomplished something when they say there is a way to cure the disease.”
   The luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the doors opening at 10:30 a.m.
   For more information, or to order tickets, call 732-660-1005.