The 2013 edition of the renowned Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders Eco-Friendly Swimsuit Calendar will be photographed in New Jersey to support revitalization efforts of the shore after Hurricane Sandy. All net proceeds from the shoot will be donated to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, which is chaired by First Lady Mary Pat Christie and has raised over $32 million from more than 22,900 donors world-wide.
"We are looking forward to helping contribute to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, which has been doing great work in providing relief through grants as well as action," said Christina Weiss Lurie, President Eagles Youth Partnership and Eagles Social Responsibility. "We also hope that our calendar shoot will help to illustrate the hard work that has already been accomplished in revitalizing the areas that were devastated by the disaster."
"We are thrilled that the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders have selected to photograph their 2013 calendar in New Jersey and donate proceeds to our Fund. Their generous efforts will help us continue to provide important relief funding for home rebuilding, mold remediation, social services and economic development to help get New Jersey back on its feet," said Mary Pat Christie, Chair of the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund. "Our Fund is here for New Jersey for the long-term and we want victims to know that they will not be forgotten. We're excited to have the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleading squad as a strong partner in that effort."
The calendar will feature all of the cheerleaders modeling in numerous NJ shore cities. The images will showcase the beauty of the beaches and include many locations that make the Jersey Shore unique and memorable, whether it's Lucy the Elephant in Margate, the Cape May Lighthouse, or Morey's Piers in Wildwood. By also featuring areas that endured more devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, such as sites in Atlantic City, Ventnor, and Seaside Heights, the Eagles Cheerleaders will be able to shine a spotlight on the astounding recovery in those areas as well as help to spread the important message that establishments are open for business.
"Vacationing down the shore is a tradition that is passed on from generation to generation and creates a lifetime of wonderful memories," said Barbara Zaun, Eagles Cheerleading Director. "Through this project we hope to show, in a creative way, the great resiliency and beauty of the shore communities that we all care about so much. We think fans will really enjoy seeing Eagles Cheerleaders alongside some of their favorite vacation spots in this calendar."
Many current Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders live, work, and have family in areas that were affected by Hurricane Sandy:
Third-year member Jamielee Panghulan expressed, "My father lived in a charming house located in Ventnor, right along the bay. Hurricane Sandy flooded the entire first floor and caused irreversible water damage to the property. It's been very difficult for me to see my Dad having to move permanently from the home he loved."
Michelle Morris, a NJ native who works for an accounting firm in Somerville said, "I have co-workers that live in Toms River and Red Bank who still do not have a home. They have been in the arduous process of rebuilding since Hurricane Sandy hit last October."
Tiffany Monroe, an eight-year member of the squad, is a resident of Absecon, NJ and also works as a physical education teacher at Jordan Road School in the Somers Point School District. She added, "It was heartbreaking to see the vast damage from Hurricane Sandy in my own hometown but I am so proud that we all united, as neighbors, and were determined to rebound. I'm passionate about shooting our 2013 calendar right here in NJ and sharing with NFL fans worldwide why the Jersey Shore is such a special place."
About Congress Hall: Congress Hall of Cape Resorts Group, America's oldest seaside resort located in Cape May, NJ, will serve as the host resort of the calendar shoot. Congress Hall is located in the heart of the Victorian District on one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the area. In addition to modeling in the calendar, the cheerleaders will also be immersed in enjoying the full shore experience during the week of the shoot; including riding Ferris wheels, tasting Fralinger's famous salt water taffy, building sandcastles, and even participating in the popular Clam-A-Rama, an annual clam pitching tournament being held on May 11th at The Beach Shack, also of Cape Resorts Group.
