By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Helping veterans is an important cause for Jennifer Sequenzia of All American Productions.
“They should be (important) for everyone,” said Sequenzia, who organized Bike Night to Benefit Veterans at the Cadillac Ranch on Jude Lane in Southington last Wednesday. The event welcomed a slew of bikes and offered up a bikini fashion show to help raise money for the Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program, which takes veterans and children in need out fishing. The organization’s president, Joe Kowalski was on hand to thank the participants and to explain the program to participants of the Bike Night.
In the end, Sequenzia said, 900 motorcycles showed up at the Cadillac Ranch and the event raised over $1,000 in donations.
The Cadillac Ranch event was just one of the many opportunities offered by Sequenzia to help out the veteran community.
“I’m proud to be a veterans’ advocate and help those who need it,” said Sequenzia. “I grew up in a World War II family. My grandmother’s brothers all served in World War II and they were such heroes to me. One of my uncles is buried in Arlington Cemetery. And my grandmother was a real life Rosie the Riveter, Maria Jones. She built engines during the war. My fashion show is dedicated to her.”
Sequenzia’s journey to help veterans began several years ago. “I created and ran a calendar for five years called ‘Girls of the Cadillac Ranch,’” said Sequenzia. “I donated the proceeds to charity. But I wanted to do more, so I decided to run a bike night to benefit veterans. It was a hit. Three years later, I am proud to run the largest independently run bike night in Connecticut.”
“I think its important to also raise awareness of the different needs veterans have, and the charities that are out there,” said Sequenzia.
“I will be hosting another bike night at the Cadillac Ranch on Wednesday, Aug. 26 to benefit the Rocky Hill Veterans Home. And after that, I will be hosting a pinup fashion show at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown (probably in November)… The theme is 1940s pinup and the show will benefit Honor Flight New England,” said Sequenzia.
In addition to the events, Sequenzia said All American Productions has organized a new model team called the All American Angels. She described the ensemble as “an all volunteer army of beautiful women who care. We will go to events, the VA, wherever we can to help veterans.”
For this year’s fashion show at the Bike Night, the models provided their own swimsuits. But Sequenzia said they have accessorized their looks with items from Biker Boutique out of Southington.
“I met Angelina Santa Maria, who owns Biker Boutique, at one of my events. She has been a great vendor and supporter since, and I respect her immensely,” said Sequenzia. “I wanted to work on something together and I approached her about the fashion show. She graciously supplied all the models with accessories for the show, and donated them to the models for their participation.”
Comments? Email mchaiken@BristolObserver. com.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
A leather jacket and a necklace from Biker Boutique of Southington is worn in a fashion show at the Bike Night to Benefit Veterans at the Cadillac Ranch in Southington July 29.
A model wears a necklace and leather mini-skirt from Biker Boutique in Southington.
Some of the 900 motorcycles that turned out for the Bike Night to Benefit Veterans at the Cadillac Ranch in Southington last Wednesday. The event raised $1,000 to benefit a charity that helps veterans.
Casey Shpak
Taylor Jae Kelsey
JennyLynn Dean