Seats, Sponsorships Available For

Women’s Center 9th Annual Gala

DANBURY — The Women’s Center will hold its ninth annual “Shelter from the Storm” fundraising gala on Friday, May 6, from 6 to 10 pm, at the new Matrix Conference & Banquet Center in Danbury. 

The Women’s Center provides free and confidential services to prevent or lessen the trauma associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and other major life transitions to thousands of women, children, and men annually.

The programs of the Women’s Center are supported by state and local government, area United Way agencies and the people and businesses in 14 regional communities including Newtown. Last year the center provided services to more than 1,000 Newtown families.

This year’s gala will honor “Four Businesses with Big Hearts,” Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Mercedes Benz of Danbury, Dental Associates of Connecticut, and Joe’s Salon & Spa in New Milford. 

“We want to thank these companies who are ideal models of a business with a big heart, given their ongoing commitment and contributions to the center,” said Glori Norwitt, gala chair.

Gala attendees will enjoy dinner, live music, and a chance to bid on live and silent auctions, and comedienne Christine O’Leary will entertain the crowd during the live auction.

Silent and live auctions items currently include a one-week timeshare condo for anywhere in the world from the Morris Group; a spa party for four from Adam Broderick; tickets to the Ridgefield Playhouse, Westport Playhouse and the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra; a framed print of Ridgefield from Paul Siegel; jewelry from Craig’s; and a signed Hirschfeld lithograph provided by Alexandra Goodstadt of the Antique Poster Gallery.

Turkey Ridge, Practically Green, Gift Cottage, Simpson & Vail, and The Loft at Bissells have given gift baskets. Local restaurants such as Ondine, Ancient Mariner, The Blazer Pub, Jim Barbarie’s, Prespa Restaurant & Bar, Biscotti’s Ristorante, and Terra Sole have also donated gift certificates, according to Ms Norwitt.

The center is also selling Raffle tickets now through May 6 featuring the Grand Prize of a seven-night vacation for two at the Ritz Carlton in St Thomas, including airfare. The first prize is a $1,000 American Express Gift Card.

The winners will be announced at the gala. Corporate tables and sponsorships are still available.

Both gala tickets and raffle tickets can be purchased by calling the center at 203-731-5200 or on the website at www.wcogd.org.