Three
hundred and sixty-five community leaders and residents gathered at
the Hartford Golf Club for West Hartford's eighth annual
Mayor’s Charity Ball on Saturday, January
20, 2007. This elegant black-tie event featured a cocktail
reception, sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing
to the Tirebiter Band until midnight. Scot Haney, Channel 3
weather and news reporter, was the emcee for the evening.
The event raised over $150,000 for the two organizations.
The
Mayor’s Charity Ball is an event of The Bridge Family Center and
HopeWorks, two organizations that provide services and support
for young people and families.
The
funds raised at this event are critical to these organizations,
providing discretionary monies that allow us to respond to the
needs of the community.
The
event was planned with the able assistance of an enthusiastic
committee of volunteers
whose incredible energy, passion for the agencies, and
commitment of time and talent have created this wonderful
signature event. The event was supported as well by West
Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka and the town council.
Planning for the ball took several months, and the response from
the community was positive and enthusiastic. More than 100
sponsors committed at every level from $100 to $10,000. Our
two Galaxy Sponsors ($10,000) were ING and Pratt & Whitney.
The
live and silent auctions included gift certificates for goods
and services; general merchandise from stores; arts
events/experiences; sporting goods and events; garden-related
items; jewelry; culinary experiences and more. Also
included was a raffle of themed baskets -- “Red Hot Raffle” --
each basket designed around a song with the word "red" in it.
