Images: Children's Charity Ball a Successful Fundraiser

The was a “haven from the snow storm” for the more than 370 guests who attended the Children’s Charity Ball on Saturday, January 21, 2012. 

The theme for the 13th annual gala was fitting: “Ports of Call: The Bridge – A Safe Harbor.”  The golf club was decorated in blue, white, and gold; elegant white orchids in blue and white porcelain ware decorated the tables; and flags of different countries hung over the corresponding ports of call raffle creations.

Pratt & Whitney was once again the Presenting Sponsor for the event. Michael Dumais, president of Hamilton Sundstrand, and his wife, Diane, served as Honorary Chairs. Debbie and Tom McInerney were Diamond Sponsors, and ING, Reid & Riege, Rockville Bank, and Stop & Shop were Sapphire Sponsors of the gala. Channel 3 TV personality, Scot Haney, was the host for the 11th year in a row.

The Bridge Family Center is grateful to a committed and creative group of women who planned the gala; to hundreds of businesses and individuals who sponsored the event or donated items to the silent and live auctions; and to many individuals who made monetary donations to support the ball. The event netted more than $210,000 for Bridge programs for children and families.

Last year, the Bridge served more than 8,000 young people and families through counseling, a youth shelter, school-based services, the West Hartford Teen Center, the Family Resource Center, and community events, such as the annual September Breakfast on the Bridge, a networking event for those who provide services for children and families in our community. 

The Bridge is a state-sanctioned OPCC, or Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children. To learn more about the services offered, visit www.bridgefamilycenter.org.