LAKE COMO — The 2025 Mayor’s Bash fundraising event is once again set to hit the sands of Bar Anticipation this summer, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 10.
This year will be the fourth rendition of Mayor Kevin Higgin’s Mayor’s Bash to raise funds to benefit the recreation programs of Lake Como, specifically the beautification and redesign of Behrman Park.
“It is a great night with great people…the night is filled with great vibes, dancing and a great cause,” Mayor Higgins said.
The celebration also honors two Lake Como Community Contributors of the Year, with this year’s highlighted honorees, Councilman Douglas Witte as Citizen of the Year and Vanity 18 as Business of the Year.
After decades of dedication to the borough, Councilman Witte will see his final term on the dais this year, as he recently announced he will not be running for reelection after a nearly 30-year run as councilman.
“When I first began the idea of Citizen of the Year, I wanted to honor those people who were not elected to a position but serve the community behind the scenes,” Mayor Higgins said. “Doug does not fit into that category, but if there was ever a ‘no-brainer’ choice for Citizen of the Year, it has to be Doug Witte in his last year of service to this community after 55 years.”
Vanity 18 is “a very successful salon in Lake Como,” the mayor said, as “up until this year, we have recognized businesses that are bars and restaurants, and give a lot back to the community. This year, I wanted to recognize a business from another category.”
“Vanity 18 is a cornerstone business in Lake Como, known for its dedication to quality, community service and loyal customers,” Mayor Higgins said. “The salon’s owner, Theresa Vassallo Galati, is active in the community, serving on the Lake Como Tourism commission for many years as its president. She has recently taken a step back from that role, but Vanity 18 continues to serve our local community with excellent service, as it has for the last 25 years.”
Participants dressed in “beach chic” attire will gather to enjoy live music from local band E-Boro Bandits, along with DJ Bilo, in celebration of the community.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the betterment of Behrman Park and the Lake Como recreation community, but additional donations beyond tickets and sponsorships for the event can be made as well.
Mayor Higgins noted that the borough has been “fortunate due to the hard work of our wonderful staff in Lake Como to address the overdue need to improve Behrman Park.”
While much of the funding used was through grants, he said, the money raised through this event has allowed additional improvements and purchases for the improvements.
“Specifically, while grant funding paid for the new playground equipment, it was the Mayor’s Bash proceeds that paid for the actual improvements to the area, including concrete work, fencing, and material,” the mayor said.
“We were also able to purchase new soccer goals, along with an added donation from the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh. Finally, if people get a chance to check out the improved baseball field, a lot of the Mayor’s Bash funds went to the upgrades and improvements to that project,” Mayor Higgins said. “We still have a lot to do at the park to upgrade and maintain the facilities. There are plans for an updated and larger dog park, as well as pickleball courts and improved spectator seating. Most recently, we have seen improvement in the drainage and paving of the parking lot off 18th Avenue.”
Tickets, as well as sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations, are now available for the event. Each ticket costs $125 and includes an open bar along with dinner during the four-hour event. Different sponsorship levels include tickets and prominent logo placement.
“We have different levels of sponsorships, and many businesses have contributed to the cause over the years,” the mayor said. “Furthermore, any person or business can donate to the borough and indicate specific use of the funds. For example, if a resident wanted to donate to have money go directly to the dog park improvements, the council can accept that donation and earmark it for specific use.”
While tickets can be purchased at the door, advanced purchases are preferred. Tickets can be purchased in person at borough hall during regular business hours or digitally through Venmo. Digital transactions for tickets to the event can be made to @LCMayorsBash on Venmo and must include participant’s names and number of tickets purchased.
“I am always excited to see people,” Mayor Higgins said. “It is hard to express what the event means to me personally, but I just enjoy seeing friends and supporters coming together for a common purpose.”
Any questions or sponsorship inquiries are encouraged to contact Mayor Higgins over email at khiggins@lakecomonj.org for more information.
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