'80s Night Fundraiser Returns to Chatham Saturday

After two years, the Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community '80s night became too small for just one town. So this year, as the event returns for the third time, organizer David Philp said there will be a double-event: One '80s night in Chatham and one in Red Bank.

"We're doing action off the lead singers," Philp said, with a storyline to be acted out on stage. "We're taking something from 'Rock of Ages,' telling a story through every song, and commercial breaks in between from our sponsors."

For example, Tree Tavern Pizza, one of the sponsors, has the song "Hungry Heart" by Bruce Springsteen. When you hear "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John, it's provided by College Hunks Hauling Junk. Liberty Mutual Insurance's song for the evening is "Running Down A Dream" by Tom Petty, and DMC Athletics & Rehabilitation's song is—what else?—"Walk This Way" by Run DMC and Aerosmith.

"We're going to act out the commercials like on old-time radio," Philp said.

The story line is of a Robin Hood-type character who robs from the rich to give to the poor. The plot was dictated by the songs chosen by people who paid to hear the songs they wanted.

In past years, donors also had the option of playing or singing with the band, though Philp said there are fewer people taking that option this year. This year's band has almost 40 people in it, a great increase from the band that played two years ago.

"The first year it was just my old high school band from Madison," Philp said. Now, more and more people want to take part.

Philp expects a fun-filled '80s night with people in costume. "Last year there were a lot more people in legwarmers, short shorts and other 80s clothing," Philp said.

The event also offers make-overs that "make you look like you stepped out a Madonna video," Philp said.

All funds raised will be donated to the Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community in Paterson. "We were one of the few food banks that never lost power" during Superstorm Sandy," Philp said. "We were at and beyond capacity. We still have families without a place to live all over the area."

This is why it will be a double event in Red Bank, to raise awareness of the need that still exists for the food bank there.

The event will also offer items for silent auctions, and several participants, including Philp, offered to get mohawks in exchange for donations.

Philp hopes to raise $15,000 in this year's event. "The net last year was about $11,000, and the gross was over $15,000," Philp said. "Hopefully this year we'll net over $15,000."

'80s Night 3-D will be held Saturday at the Chatham United Methodist Church. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. in Chatham and will be served by youth groups from Chatham, Wayne and Caldwell. The Red Bank event will not offer dinner.

Admission to the Chatham event is $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door. Children 12 and under can attend free. There is a separate $15 fee for dinner.

The event in Red Bank is $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Philp's business, YouChoose, LLC, has hosted nearly a dozen decade-themed events in the area since the first 80s night in Chatham in April 2011 and raised about $40,000 for CUMAC. The events are dry, open to everyone and offer dinner, music, dancing and entertainment for the whole family.