Dina's Birthday Wish, Caroline's Opinion of Local Schools and more

Unlike other reality TV stars who celebrate their birthday on the pages of Perez Hilton, former Real Housewife of New Jersey Dina Manzo celebrated her birthday the philanthropic way. Manzo is asking friends, family and fans to help raise $3,900 for Project Ladybug. Though her actual birthday was Monday, it's not to late to get in on the giving. Suggested donation is $39. 

"Please consider giving to my Birthday Wish, and together we can make a difference in their lives," she wrote on her wishes.causes.com page. "If you can't give now, I'd really appreciate if you'd share this page with your friends." 

Patch is more than happy to spread the word! 

Last month, Manzo hosted a New Jersey Reality Stars Auction, which raised $7,500 for Project Ladybug with the help of The Cake Boss, the cast of Jersey Shore, and other infamous New Jerseans. 

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Another Franklin Lakes Manzo, Caroline, spoke about motherhood in her Caroline Rules column on glo.msn.com this week. As a couple, she said, she and Al were determined to raise their "little seeds into mighty oaks." To do that, they were committed to being involved in Albie, Chris and Lauren's lives—from ball games to parent-teacher conferences and everything in between.

Caroline also praised Franklin Lakes schools in her column:  "We were lucky enough to have an excellent school system that encouraged parents to ask questions and get involved," she wrote. "I volunteered for the school store once a month because it made them feel special to see their mom up there selling peanut butter crackers." 

Caroline Rules runs every Friday on glo.msn.com. 

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Real Housewives regular Kim Granatell is promoting a good cause: She has joined with the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation to bring back the Fine Art and Craft Fair to Urban Farms Field in Franklin Lakes. The fair will be held on May 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the profits to benefit the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation.

"During the past few years economic hardships have cut into donations to the foundation, upon realizing this 'Kim G' stepped forward and has helped the Foundation to come back into the spotlight," according to a press release from the charity.

The foundation provides emotional, material and emergency financial support for  New Jersey’s children with cancer and their families.

Crafter and Fine Art vendor applications are now being accepted and are available at www.emmanuelcancer.org. Questions regarding this event should be directed to Mary Ellen Marra 201-857-3930.