Amanda and Scott Aronson celebrate the success of the live auction at the Children's Charity Ball. Amanda is a member of the Ball Committee and a former member of the Bridge Board of Directors.

The Bridge Family Center's 11^th annual gala, the Children's Charity Ball, held at the Hartford Golf Club on January 23 was an unbelievable success, raising nearly $200,000 for services for kids and families. The Bridge was especially touched by the generosity of the community in these tough economic times. 

The Hartford Golf Club truly did spring to life on Saturday, January 23. Green and turquoise lighting and balloons, centerpieces of tulips, daffodils, and daisies, and a robin ice sculpture made spring come early for 365 guests.
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In spite of a tough economy and many people out of work, the Bridge received more donations from its Holiday Wish List than ever before. Many individuals donated and many businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations sponsored collections of items from our Wish List. Hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards were contributed, as well as hats, scarves, mittens, books, electronic items, vacuum cleaners, basketballs, and more.
 
Panera Bread Cafe in Bishops Corner in West Hartford, the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company in West Hartford, ING, St. Patrick Church in Collinsville, the Stitching for Shelters volunteers, Norfeldt School, and AmTrust in Rocky Hill all sponsored collections. Many individuals walked in the door with handfuls of gift cards that they were moved to give as the holidays approached.

The holiday season can be a stressful time for families and children, especially those in our residential programs. Our hope is that the donations help to brighten the holidays for them. The Bridge is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

The West Hartford Family newsletter, published by the Bridge two to three times per year and sent to the parents of school children K-12, provides articles on issues important to parents. This latest issue, written by Pat Doherty, the director of youth and family services at the Bridge, offers ways to help your children open up, tips to help yourself, and helpful resources. Click here to read our latest issue.

For 40 years, the Bridge Family Center has been a safety net for children and families in West Hartford and the greater community. In these days of economic hardship and financial insecurity, your support means more than ever for the thousands of people whose lives we touch each year.  A great way to support the Bridge throughout the year is through your workplace giving campaign. 

The Bridge is a member of the Local Independent Charities of America, LICA, for the Fall 2009/2010 campaign year. As a member of LICA, the Bridge has been awarded the "Best in America" seal of excellence certifying that we meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. Fewer than 5 percent of U.S. charities have met that standard.

Through LICA, the Bridge participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (agency code # 18424) and the Connecticut State Employees' Campaign (agency code # 7824) as well as campaigns in many corporations and other workplaces. You can find us in your campaign giving directory under the Bridge Family Center. If your company participates in the United Way Community Campaign, please designate the Bridge Family Center (agency code # 5237) on your donor pledge form.

A member organization of

A  proud particpant on the Connecticut State Employees' Campaign

A proud participant in the Combined Federal Campaign

Deb Karavias, a West Hartford Zumba Fitness Instructor with Van Dance CT, is generously offering a weekly Zumba class to benefit the Bridge. The ongoing class is held on Thursday evenings from & 7:00-7:45 p.m. on the lower level of the Masonic Hall at 11 South Main Street. The drop-in class is $6.00/session.  

Zumba, the new fitness craze, combines Latin and international music with dynamic, yet simple exercise moves, It motivates the body to efficiently burn calories, tone muscle groups, incorporate full range of motion, and improve the cardiovascular system. Participants are entertained with a variety of rhythms including salsa, merengue, samba, belly dancing, flamenco, and more.

Want to have fun, get in shape, and benefit the children and families served by the Bridge? Then come by the Zumba class next Thursday at 7:00 p.m. For more information and to learn how to dress appropriately for the class, call Deb Karavias at 860-313-4443 or visit her website at www.mamazumba.com.