From left, Jean Antolini and Nicole and Tom Scull help to coordinate the annual Single Ladies Luncheon.
EGG HARBOR CITY Restaurant owner Lisa Savage held her 25th annual Single Ladies Luncheon Monday, Dec. 17 for women who have fallen on hard times.
Savage, who recently closed her two Ventnor restaurants to concentrate on her newest venture in Egg Harbor City, hosted the event at Leatherheads Pub on the corner of Philadelphia Avenue and the White Horse Pike. Savage has been hosting the event every year at every restaurant she's ever owned.
I've been doing this so long, it wouldn't feel like Christmas without it, she said. I couldn't imagine not doing it because it really brings out the true spirit of Christmas.
Restaurateur Lisa Savage has been hosting the Single Ladies Luncheon for 25 years. This year, it was held at Leatherhead's Pub in Egg Harbor City.
Savage cooks a hot meal for the women who are staying at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. On Monday, the menu was chicken Parmesan and baked ziti, along with salad, coffee, tea, and desserts donated by Hammerbacher Bakery, also located in Egg Harbor City. B.F. Mazzeo of Northfield donated all the produce and wait staff donated their time to serve the women, Savage said.
The event, which includes gifts, crafts and raffles, is coordinated by Tom and Nicole Scull of Mays Landing, who provided the inspiration behind the event.
We were talking with friends one day who wanted to do something for Christmas that was meaningful," Nicole Scull said.
Volunteer Chelsey Johnson serves up some Christmas tree pins to the ladies of the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.
Scull said when she heard that there were several parties during the holidays for the men at the Mission, but none for the ladies, she knew that was the direction to take.
Atlantic City Rescue Mission Community and Government Relations Representative Kay Petrecca said the party means a lot for the women, some of whom are staying at the mission for a short time, while others are there longer.
Our goal is to find them safe, permanent housing. Their stay at the mission can be on an emergency basis or for a number of years, she said.
Tom and Paxson Scull welcome some of the ladies to lunch.
On Monday, approximately 15 women attended the party, which included musical entertainment by Melanie Rice trio. Rice, Bob Fowler and Rick Agronick donated their talents and took holiday song requests from the ladies.
Each woman got to choose a gift basket filled with personal care items, hats, gloves and scarves, along with fun stuff, such as cosmetics, jewelry and stuffed animals, all donated by area businesses and churches.
Fusion Church in Somers Point is a big supporter, Tom Scull said.
Children volunteered at the luncheon too.
Paxson Scull and Arianna Corbett man the crafts table.
Paxson Scull and Arianna Corbett set up a crafts table where the women could make candy grams to give to friends or to each other. Paxson provided instructions on how to assemble the candy cane on a card with a hand-written, personalized holiday wish.
Volunteers dress as Santa's elves for the Single Ladies Luncheon held at Leatherhead's Pub in Egg Harbor City Monday, Dec. 17.
Petrecca said the ladies are grateful to enjoy some time away from the confines of the mission.
It means someone is thinking about them and that they are loved and cared for, Petrecca said. And that Santa has not forgotten them.
Melanie Rice Trio, with Bob Fowler and Rick Agronick.
