Founders of the Fight of Fireflies Event Planning, Megan Buonano and Jamie Prezpadlo held their first event, a fashion show to raise awareness and money for the Monmouth County SPCA to help the fight against animal cruelty.

The event that was held at the Waterview Pavilion in Belmar featured several models who strutted the designs of local designers. There were over 50 items in a chinese auction from local businesses, live music by the band Straight Up and a sit down dinner.

Friends Buonano, 28, Keyport, and Prezpadlo, 28, Middletown, started Fight of the Fireflies six months ago when they had an idea to raise money for a local charity.

“We went with the name Fight of the Fireflies because we want to bring light to charities' lives,” said Prezpadlo.

Their event planning business would serve as a company that assists charities that may not have the man power to do themselves with putting on larger events to raise money for their causes, according to Prezpadlo. With both ladies being very into fashion and animal rights, they felt a fashion show would be a great first event. Buonano had done fashion shows in the past as a student at Monmouth University and was able to reach out to some of the designers she had worked with.

“They were on board,” said Prezpadlo. “Everyone who is in or a part of the show is a volunteer.”

At about 6 p.m., the first model made her way on stage modeling a brightly colored bathing suit by MCS Designs to beats spun by DJ Mark Boncek. Following the first group of bathing suit designs was the Boobies T-Shirt Line.

MCS Designs always tries to use bright colors. Even when they design something in black, they make sure to add a color that pops, according to designer Christina Bucco.

“I’m always 'bright' and I’m not the kind of person to wear black,” said Bucco of Matawan on her inspiration for the line.

Boobies designer 24-year-old Michael Maguire of Morristown opted to donate all profits of his t-shirt sales during the fashion show to this cause.

“I’ve always volunteered with environmental groups. I love nature and graphic design,” said Maguire -- a big fan of the “Boobie” bird -- the inspiration for his line.

“I use lots of blues because of the light blue on the Bobbies' feet,” he said.

“I love the Boobie thing," said 61-year-old secretary Fran Bucco of Matawan who also commented that everything in the show was fresh and the colors -- brilliant.

“This (the show) was a good idea against animal cruelty. People need to be more aware of it,” said 19-year-old Lauren Boncza of Cranford.

The event raised over 3,000 and the organizers look forward to holding another one in October. For more information on Fight of the Fireflies, visit http://www.wix.com/fightofthefireflies/firefliesfundraising#!.

The Monmouth County SPCA is a not-for-profit organization that cares for the community’s homeless, neglected and abused animals. More information the Monmouth County SPCA can be found at www.monmouthcountyspca.org.