The Bridge Family Center’s 17^th Annual Children’s Charity Ball will be held in West Hartford on Jan. 23, 2016.

Guests at the 2015 Children’s Charity Ball. Submitted photo

Submitted by Nancy Hunt, Bridge Family Center

The 2016 Children’s Charity Ball, hosted by the Bridge Family Center, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Hartford Golf Club in West Hartford. The theme of this year’s annual event is “Show Your True Colors,” based on the beauty and confidence of the peacock to spread its tail feathers and shine.

The motivation behind the theme came from the beautiful lyrics, written by duo Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, and sung by Cyndi Lauper, in the song “True Colors”:

You with the sad eyes. Don’t be discouraged. Oh I realize, it’s hard to take courage in a world full of people. You can lose sight of it all and the darkness inside you can make you feel so small. But, I see your true colors shining through.

This song perfectly summarizes the mission of the Bridge Family Center to see the best in everyone, help them see the best in themselves, and to guide them through building on the positive qualities of their best selves.

The ball is coordinated by more than 25 talented and creative volunteers who transform the Hartford Golf Club into a delightful setting, impressing attendees each year. The black-tie event will feature dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and a raffle, all surrounded by the sumptuous teals, bright greens, and rich blues donned by the handsome peacock. Throw in the luxurious vintage feel of bouquets of cascading feathers and you have the glitz and glamor of a true gala!

Funds raised at the event will be used to support struggling children and families in the Greater Hartford area. In 2015, the Bridge served approximately 9,000 people across the region with shelter, counseling, parent education, and many other services.

“This has been a stellar year for the Bridge with the opening of our new counseling center in Avon, Bridge West, and the addition of our Pathfinder’s Program, helping homeless and runaway youth find emergency shelter,” said Judy Bierly, Director of Community Services and Communications. “The annual Children’s Charity Ball plays a vital role in how we help our community and the funds will hopefully, allow us to extend our reach. For that, we feel indebted to our many generous friends and supporters.”

The Bridge Family Center was founded in 1969 to meet the needs of West Hartford community youth.  Over the years, the Bridge expanded its outreach efforts to develop programs in partnership with local schools. Today they are a comprehensive, regional nonprofit agency offering a broad range of services to children, youth, and families in the Greater Hartford area. For tickets and information, see the Bridge website at www.bridgefamilycenter.org or call them at 860.521.8035.