Arts & Entertainment

'American Idol's' Tiffany Rios to Host Fundraiser for Project Ladybug

Singer to raise money for charity connected with 'Housewives.'

There's more to Tiffany Rios than cleavage and stars.

For the past two years, the "American Idol'' contestant has been working with Project Ladybug—the charity founded by Dina Manzo of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey''—to raise money for seriously ill children.

Rios, who calls herself a Morris Plains resident because that is her accurate mailing address, though her home is actually in Parsippany, has scheduled a "meet and greet'' at Tabor Pizza on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.. She'll sign autographs, pose for pictures and chat with fans.

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"I was always involved with charities, ever since fifth grade,'' said Rios, who made an impact during "Idol's''  when she sang in a bikini with large cut-out stars over her breasts. With her , she was chosen by judges to advance to Hollywood, where the competition begins in earnest this week.

Rios got involved in Project Ladybug in 2009 through a "friend of a friend'' of Manzo, who dropped out of "Housewives'' after Season 1. New Jersey Housewife and Towaco resident Teresa Giudice is also a "family friend,'' according to Rios, whose parents have celebrated their anniversary at the Brownstone in Paterson, which is owned by the Manzo family.

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rios went to a Project Ladybug meeting when "Housewives'' first aired and has been involved ever since. But she never appeared in an episode of the show.

"My favorite part has been meeting the kids,'' she said. "It makes you realize what life is really about.''

Rios hopes for a big turnout, but said that any amount of money that's raised can make a difference. "Even if it's just a $100, it can help out. Small fundraisers are what keep Project Ladybug moving,'' she said.


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