Community Corner

Thousands Raised for Town That Cares at Charity Event

The relaxed 'less gown, more town' event provided an enjoyable evening of wine tasting, food, music, and more at the first annual fundraiser for this West Hartford charity.

More than 160 guests turned out Friday night for the West Hartford Newcomers & Neighbor's first ever Town That Cares Charity Event held in the always-beautiful banquet room at the Pond House.

Billed as "less gown, more town," the moderately-priced and community-focused event raised more than $6,300, which will directly benefit West Hartford's own neediest families. It included a wine tasting courtesy of Wine Cellars 4, food catered by the Pond House Cafe, music supplied by Joan Dylan of Lite 100.5, and a silent auction. More than 90 businesses donated to the event.

TV personality Jill Pollack, host of HGTV Canada’s Consumed who has moved back to West Hartford from Los Angeles with her husband Jeff Lewis, emceed the event.

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Many guests enjoyed meeting and posing for photos with Emily Audibert, Miss Connecticut 2012. Audibert, a native of southwestern Connecticut, is currently a senior at the University of Hartford’s Barney School of business and plans to become a CPA.

David Polgar, who worked tirelessly to promote this inaugural fundraiser, told guests that he likens West Hartford's Town That Care Fund to the community that comes to the aid of George Bailey near the end of the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life. "Our support system is like that scene in the movie," he said.

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In addition to being a fundraiser, Polgar said he thought the event provided important exposure for the Town That Cares. "One aspect of the event was to put a spotlight on the Fund and encourage businesses and residents to make future donations," he said.


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