Gifts of Love hosted its annual fall fundraising event, A NIGHT OUT IN STYLE on Saturday evening, Nov. 19, at the Hoffman Honda Showroom in Simsbury. Serving as event Master of Ceremonies was Damon Scott, 96.5 TIC-FM Radio host.
The event, which had a 1970’s theme, featured a live and silent auction, celebrity chef stations including Billy Grant, The Meat House, Dish ‘n Dat, and Feng, the Cake Gypsy, Ben & Jerry’s (Canton), as well as complimentary champagne, and dancing to the live music of local band, Poor Gordon. Guests also enjoyed hanging out in the “Lava Lounge” watching Saturday Night Fever, having retro eye make-up applied by Cahoots Salon of Avon’s “Groovy Eyes” station, and having their photos taken courtesy of IRIS Photography.
A NIGHT OUT IN STYLE benefits Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization, serving families throughout the Farmington Valley and Greater Hartford communities who are in financial crisis. The focus of this year’s event is Gifts of Love’s food and nutrition programs, including the "Weekend Food Backpack Program" which provides children who might otherwise go hungry with food on the weekends. Other Gifts of Love food and nutrition programs include its food pantry, and collaboration with the Community Farm of Simsbury, where fresh produce is grown for the pantry under the supervision of the agency’s organic farmer.
“We have seen an increase in clients again this year and are helping over 500 families each month. Without the income from this event we would have difficulty sustaining our program let alone assisting our clients, friends and neighbors simply get back on their feet,” said Diana Goode, Executive Director of Gifts of Love.
“We’d like to thank the event’s sponsors, donors, and attendees, as well as the event planning committee and volunteers for their support. Assisting a family during a tough time is truly at the heart of Gifts of Love, Families Helping Families. We are so thankful to those who are part of our mission and part of our family."
In addition to Hoffman Auto Group, event sponsors included The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, Carmon Community Funeral Homes, People’s United Bank, Vincent Funeral Home and Weber Computer Consulting. The Hair Loft of Avon was the event’s champagne sponsor.
The mission of Gifts of Love is to help meet the basic needs of individuals and families experiencing a temporary financial crisis so they can achieve or maintain self-sufficiency. The organization provides food and clothing, household items and furniture to individuals and families facing a financial crisis due to a variety of circumstances. Gifts of Love helps clients meet their families’ most basic needs – food on the table, a winter coat, or a bed to sleep in – and enable them to focus on putting their lives back in order and regaining their independence.
