Avenel's 'Cardman' to Perform at MCC Gala Fundraiser

'Cardman' is back.

, an resident and alumnus of Middlesex County College, will be showing off his amazing playing card structures known as 'Card City,' at the MCC scholarship fundraiser, 'The Magic of Middlesex'.

The gala will be held on Saturday, March 3, at MCC's College Center at the Edison campus from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Last spring, Perricone, who goes by the nickname “Cardman,” created Card City, a spectacular display of card stacking. He takes thousands of normal playing cards and stacks them, creating intricate designs, some that go seven feet high. None of the structures are taped, glued or folded; Perricone just balances the cards one upon the other. 

One of the items in the Magic of Middlesex's silent auction will be the opportunity for a lucky winner to knock down the new  

“It’s going to be a wonderful evening and a fun event honoring advocates of the college, all to support the success of students at Middlesex County College,” said Patrick Madama, vice president for institutional advancement, in a statement.

The scholarship gala will also include a performance by illusionist David Garrity, delicious food and drink, as well as tributes to Wells Fargo, a corporation that has generously helped the college, Madama said.

Joanne Fillweber will also be honored as alumna of the year, and Prof. Xenia Balabkins will receive the Spirit of Middlesex award. A 1982 MCC graduate, Fillweber is employed at Johnson & Johnson where she implements philanthropic leadership and management programs worldwide.

Prof. Balabkins, who has taught in the Accounting, Business and Legal Studies Department since 1985, is an avid supporter of the college's foundation and has served on a variety of committees to promote the school, Madama said.

Tickets for the gala are $295. For more information, call 732-906-2564.