Eagles Cheerleaders To Shoot Calendar in New Jersey

The aim is to help the Shore recover from the devastation of superstorm Sandy.

By Peter Mucha
Philly.com

The Eagles Cheerleaders will host their annual calendar shoot in New Jersey, as a way to help rebuild parts of the Shore devastated by superstorm Sandy.

Each of the 38 members of the new cheerleading squad, selected late last month, will be photographed at 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,” according to a news release.

All net proceeds will go to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, which is chaired by Pat Christie, the governor’s wife.

The storm touched the lives of many of the Cheerleaders’ lives, according to the Eagles.

“My father lived in a charming house located in Ventnor, right along the bay,” said Jamielee Panghulan. “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.”

“I have co-workers that live in Toms River and Red Bank who still do not have a home,” said Jersey-bred Michelle Morris, who works in Somerville. “They have been in the arduous process of rebuilding since Hurricane Sandy hit last October.”

Tiffany Monroe, who has been on the squad for eight years, lives in Absecon and teaches phys-ed in Somers Point. “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 New Jersey and sharing with NFL fans worldwide why the Jersey Shore is such a special place.”

The cheerleaders will also wear New Jersey-made accessories, that are in keeping with the yearly eco-friendly theme. Examples: a state-shaped silver pendant with the word Strong, a necklace made from old beach tags, and a bracelet with a map.

“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,” said Eagles Cheerleading Director Barbara Zaun. “We think fans will really enjoy seeing Eagles Cheerleaders alongside some of their favorite vacation spots in this calendar.”