BEST OF BERGEN GALA
STARS
A N IGHT FOR L OCAL
( 201 ) Magazine Gala brings the Best of Bergen together WRITTEN BY LIZ JOHNSON
The red carpet was buzzing , the cameras were snapping and the Instagram was Live at the third annualBest of Bergen Gala , which honored ( 201 ) Magazine ’ s 18th annual Best of Bergen Readers ’ Poll winners and finalists . Nearly 600 guests , including representativesofreaders ’ favorite businesses and activities , packed The Terrace in Paramus .
Business owners , advertisers and celebrities including The Real Housewives of New Jersey ’ s Melissa Gorga and her husband , Joe , and Miss New Jersey Victoria Mozitis , from Miss America organization , mingled , dined , and applauded as awinner was named from among four finalists in each of 148 categories . Other notable guestsincluded representatives from American Dream , The Valley Hospital and interior designer Vanessa DeLeon .
The event was plannedbythe USA Today Network Ventures events team along with ( 201 ) staff , whose names may be familiar from the magazine ’ smasthead . Editor-in-chief LizJohnson was happy to greet community members . Creative director John Flynn andart director Joram Mushinske kicked off the award ceremony ; luckywinners were then interviewedbyMushinske on Instagram Live .
Joe and Melissa Gorga pose with the March cover at the gala ; guests admire the ice sculpture during the cocktail hour .
Bergensales manager Kimberly Cummings added her sparkle to the proceedings . Regan Apo , vice president of Local IQ / Gannett , welcomed guests before dinner .
“ It ’ s great to build off the enthusiasm and success of our Best of Bergen Gala , come backand do it athird year ,” says Flynn .“ We are looking forward to making this an annual tradition to celebratethose who aresopassionate about servicing our county .” n
ANNE-MARIE CARUSO AND CHRIS MARKSBURY
52 2023 EDITION | ( 201 ) BEST OF BERGEN GUIDE