LAMBERTVILLE: Rago hosts Ely Park fundraiser on Dec. 31

   LAMBERTVILLE — Hurricane Sandy stole Lambertville’s Halloween festivities, but fun-loving spirits can dress up and boogie the night away on New Year’s Eve instead.
   On Dec. 31, “It’s Studio 54 all over again at Studio 333,” where David Rago will host the second annual Friends of Ely Park fundraising gala.
   Broadway set designer and Ely Park founder, Jim Hamilton, will transform the Arts and Auction Center into that legendary 70’s nightclub “haunt” to help raise funds for the next phase in redesigning and revitalizing Ely Park, Lambertville’s only large, community-shared green space.
   ”It will be really exciting to see the community come together for fun and, especially after the hit the area took with the hurricane,” said Jim Mastrich, president of Friends of Ely Park.
   ”We have some really exceptional auction offerings and the music, setting and food is designed to wow party-goers.” Attendees also are invited to dress in 70s/80s attire reminiscent of Studio 54.
   Auction items mentioned by Mr. Mastrich include: “a catered event for 25 while navigating the Delaware during Friday Night Fireworks; a wine tasting and paired dinner for eight, featuring acclaimed vintages of Southern Rhone; an unforgettable five days/four-night safari in the exclusive Ongava Game Reserve in Namibia; an oil painting by acclaimed area artist Robert Beck; a one-week stay for up to five at Glen Mhor Cottage in the Scottish Highlands; a private dinner for eight prepared by Jim Hamilton at his home; a special weekend of dining, shopping and sipping with a stay at Lambertville Station; gifts and gift certificates for some of the area’s most popular locations; and ‘Just Do It,’ an exciting package of seven sport, fitness and arts activities.”
   David Rago and Suzanne Perrault, appraisers who appear on the TV series, “Antiques Roadshow,” also hosted last year’s event.
   Having received a special proclamation for his efforts to help Friends of Ely Park, Mr. Rago said: “We’re always looking for ways to support important initiatives like the Ely Park project. By doing so, we’re also recognizing the generous efforts of a good friend, Jim Hamilton.”
   Mr. Mastrich summed up the intent of the event by saying: “This New Year’s gala gives all of us the chance to have fun, celebrate local and do a good thing that will benefit our whole community.”
   Tickets for the event are $125 and are available at Hamilton’s Grill Room and The Homestead Farm Market. For more information, call 609.397.3200. To make a donation directly, visit www.friendsofelypark.org.