By J.J. Huggins
jhuggins@eagletribune.com
November 22, 2008 12:05 am METHUEN — Caritas Holy Family Hospital has apparently found a planned fundraiser featuring the sale of lingerie too racy and won't accept donations from the event. As a result, the Tewksbury-based lingerie and "adult novelties" company UndercoverWear has canceled the show. The company displayed a flier on its Web site showing a model clad in lingerie and a Santa hat. The Holiday Men's Night was scheduled for Dec. 2 at the Holiday Inn in Tewksbury and the money raised from the $25 tickets was to be donated to the Catholic hospital, as well as a portion of the profits from product sales. "The night will include an UndercoverWear fashion show highlighting many gorgeous lingerie and sleepwear styles for the holiday season," the flier said. "Hot hors d'oeuvres will be served and raffle prizes will be available throughout the evening. Plus, our Santa's elves will be there to help you do some of your holiday shopping — UndercoverWear has something for everyone." UndercoverWear issued a press release yesterday afternoon saying "after being supportive of this event," the hospital won't accept the donation "and do not want to be associated with this event." UndercoverWear canceled the festivities. Hospital officials said little when The Eagle-Tribune inquired about the sexy advertisement. "This is not something that has been approved by Holy Family Hospital, nor will the hospital be participating in the event," spokeswoman Anna Frankenfield said in an e-mail. That was the only comment the hospital would make, according to Frankenfield. "UndercoverWear is saddened by the decision and the loss of help that will now not be provided for families of Merrimack Valley during these hard economic times," a company press release said. UndercoverWear CEO Tiffany James and President Jamie Jamitkowski, who is James' son and lives in North Andover, lost James' parents and Jamitkowski's grandparents, Adrienne and Charles Canto, to colon cancer. "Adrienne and Charles Canto, parents of Tiffany James, were treated and cared for at Caritas Hospital, and as a special thank you, Ms. James wanted to conduct an event that would attract business members of the Massachusetts community to come together and donate to the foundation at Caritas Hospital," the press release said. James and Jamitkowski have donated to several charities, the release said.
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