Project Ladybug was co-founded by Dina Manzo, a philanthropist, event planner, television host and  former Real Housewife of New Jersey, and a Savvy Auntie to 17 nieces and nephews and to the thousands of children touched by her organization. In our conversation, we discover why it was important for Dina to establish The Ladybug Fund, how she inspires her nieces and nephews, and why she's truly blessed.


SA: Dina, you come from a large family, the youngest of eleven siblings. How old were you when you first became an ABR (Auntie by Relation) and how many nieces and nephews by relation do you have now?

DM: I was only six years old when I became an aunt for the first time. On my side the family I have seventeen nieces and nephews. On my husband's side I have four additional!

SA: With so many children in your life, why did you feel a need to reach so many more children you don’t know through Project Ladybug?

DM: I feel so blessed to have a healthy daughter and be an aunt to seventeen cancer free children. I feel it's my responsibility to give back to these children who didn't chose to fight this battle.

SA: Many of our Savvy Aunties give back to children in their communities around the world. I call these amazing women “BenevolAunts” because they give selflessly to so many. They are a great inspiration to their nieces and nephews. How do you inspire your daughter Lexi and nieces and nephews to give back?

DM: I show them by example and hope they will see the happiness helping others brings into your life.

SA: Your friend Teresa Guidice asked you to be the godmother to her daughter, Audriana. What does this role mean to you? And how is little Audriana doing?

DM: Audriana is a little doll. I hope as she gets older she and I will have a special bond.

SA: We’ve discussed this many times as friends, but please share for the Savvy Auntourage why you think the Savvy Auntie Movement is so important.

DM: Aside from the obvious of filling this much needed void for women who have not or choose not to have their own children, I know as an aunt myself, some of my nieces and nephews have come to me for very important things they felt funny or awkward talking to their parents about. I'm also grateful that my daughter has that in her Aunts as well.

The love of an Auntie biological or otherwise is a very special thing :)

SA: Thank you, Dina! XO  - Melanie Notkin