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A Night to Remember: How Pink Witches Night Out Changed My Life Forever

By Chelsea Gonzalez, formerly Chelsea Ambrosi

In 2021, Downtown Denville BID nominated me as the Pink Witches Night Out Recipient, and it was a night that I will never forget. The support and love that I felt that night is unmatched, and I will forever be grateful to have grown up in such an incredible community. 

Since being the recipient, a lot has happened! Do we start with the most obvious (my last name)? In October 2022, Bryan and I had our dream wedding. This was a night that Bryan & I both were uncertain would happen. Do we postpone the wedding? Call it off completely? There were definitely a lot of uncertainties leading up to the big day, but after two years of wedding planning and one hell of a fight against breast cancer, I walked down the aisle and married my best friend.

Rewinding back to my journey after PWNO: I still had quite a few hurdles to overcome. I continued with chemotherapy, completing that leg in November 2021. A few weeks later, it was time to prep for and undergo my bilateral mastectomy. A couple days after, I was called with the amazing news that my final pathology report was in and it read that there was no evidence of disease in my tissue and lymph nodes – truly the best possible outcome! After lots of rest and recovery, it was time for the next leg of treatment (and the worst for me): radiation. Although this treatment was not kind to me, I pushed through it and on March 14, 2022 I rang the bell to signify my end of treatment.

Since treatment has ended, I have begun my ten-year journey with hormone therapy.  I have also undergone reconstruction surgery and am anticipating a few revision surgeries in the near future. Besides dealing with the crazy hot flashes from hormone therapy (and maybe moodiness from here or there), I am feeling amazing. Life is good, I am healthy, and the cancer is gone. 

Meg, Jenn, Downtown Denville BID, Saint Clare’s Health, DPW & Denville Beautification, the sponsors, the vendors, and the entire Denville community – thank you! Thank you for putting together such an amazing event year after year and showing up for all of the badass fighters and warriors out there. I cannot wait to see what is in store for this year’s Pink Witches Night Out!

Pink Witches Night Out Friday October 13th 2023

October is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to invite you to the 11th Annual Pink Witches Night Out event presented by Saint Clare’s Health and sponsored by The Oaks at Denville. Mark your calendars for Friday the 13th from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, because this is going to be the best girls’ night around! Leave your little goblins at home and join us for an evening of laughter, support, and awareness.

Pink Witches Night Out is New Jersey’s most prestigious Breast Cancer Awareness event, and its origins are truly heartfelt. It was founded in 2012 by Meg Olenowski, a Downtown Denville business owner, who wanted to honor her mother, Kathy Olenowski, a former Denville business owner, whom she lost to cancer in 2011.

For the past eleven years, the Denville community has come together to fight the battle against Breast Cancer, raising an incredible sum of almost $100,000. What’s more inspiring is that the funds raised have directly benefited local residents who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. When cancer touches our lives, the importance of such events cannot be overstated.

Keep an eye out for our 2023 recipient announcement, which will take place on October 1st. We are thrilled to introduce this year’s recipient and witness the impact our community’s generosity will have on her life.

This Halloween-inspired night is a celebration of those we’ve lost, the survivors, and those still fighting their battle today. It’s an opportunity for the community to show support, love, and solidarity. You can expect an array of exciting activities, including store specials, a mobile bar, a live DJ, and special deals at local restaurants and bars.

Don’t forget to grab your swag bag and make a donation to this incredible cause at PinkWitchesNight.com.

We have several enchanting events leading up to Pink Witches Night Out including:

PWNO 2023 Recipient Announcement: October 1st
Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Thomas Andes: October 2nd
Barbells for Breast Cancer hosted by Station Athletic For Her: October 7th (link to register)
Pickleball: October 8th (link to register)


Make sure to clear your schedule on October 13th and join us for Pink Witches Night Out. Together, we can make a difference and stand strong against breast cancer.

Save the date, spread the word, and get ready for an unforgettable night of support, empowerment, and community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Downtown Denville After Dark 2023

Recapping the Fun-Filled Denville After Dark Summer Events in Downtown Denville!

A summer to remember in Downtown Denville. Denville’s After Dark events, which took place on July 28th and August 18th, turned the heart of Downtown Denville into a vibrant hub of excitement and entertainment.

From 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM on these special nights, Broadway, the main street of Downtown Denville underwent a remarkable transformation, offering an array of attractions to keep everyone delighted. From family-friendly activities to an inviting outdoor bar, live music that sets the perfect mood, and shops extending their hours, Denville After Dark had it all.

July 28th: A Sizzling Success

The July 28th event was an absolute hit, drawing crowds to a captivating hot dog eating contest that featured hotdogs generously provided by the beloved local business, Denville Dog. Children reveled in the refreshing water features, while the daring had a blast dunking their friendly neighborhood dentists at the Denville Dental Group dunk tank. And that’s not all – Downtown Denville BID also hosted an exciting tricky tray and raffle, which showcased fantastic prizes from various local Downtown Denville establishments.

August 18th: A Cool Night of Competition

Mother Nature graced us with a perfectly crisp and cool summer evening on Friday, August 18th. The highlight of the night was the thrilling pickleball tournament, made possible through Lakeland Hills YMCA. It was a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors alike to engage in friendly competition and showcase their pickleball prowess.

Both events featured the lively ambiance of an outdoor mobile bar, Jack and Julep, serving up refreshing drinks that perfectly complemented the summer atmosphere. The crowd was kept grooving all evening by the dynamic performances of the live band, Lurker Park. A heartfelt shoutout goes to our generous sponsors, including Lakeland Hills YMCA, Sheeran Real Estate, Peer Hyatt Selling Team, Denville Dental Group, Hunan Taste, Lakeland Bank, Norman Dean, and Evolve Med Spa. Without their invaluable support, these events wouldn’t have been possible.

Downtown Denville: Where A Community Comes Together

At Downtown Denville, our commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering a strong sense of community shines through events like Denville After Dark. We wholeheartedly encourage you to join us in celebrating all that Downtown Denville has to offer. Explore our charming local stores, savor the culinary delights at our exceptional restaurants, and be sure to share the word about what makes Downtown Denville one of the finest downtown shopping districts in New Jersey.

Denville After Dark isn’t just an event; it’s a testament to the spirit of togetherness that defines our community. We eagerly anticipate more incredible moments, more laughter, and more memories in the times to come. Stay connected with us to be in the loop for future events and keep the Downtown Denville spirit alive!