Generous patrons celebrated in style at one of West Hartford’s premier gala events, The Bridge Family Center’s annual Children’s Charity Ball.

Matt Winter and Jane Lehman served as Honorary Chairs for the 2015 Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Nearly 400 guests were decked out in style under a sky of cream, white, and champagne paper lanterns that provided a dreamlike and festive glow throughout the Hartford Golf Club Saturday night.

West Hartford community and business leaders enjoyed the always-elegant black tie Children’s Charity Ball, a fundraiser for The Bridge Family Center that included a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the live music of the Timmy Maia Band.

The theme of this year’s annual event, “Light Up A Life,” echoed the mission of the Bridge, “to foster the courage and strength in children and families to meet life’s challenges and build fulfilling lives.”

Final tallies for funds raised are not yet available, but based on the successful live auction led by emcee Scot Haney, Channel 3 Meteorologist and Co-Host of “Better CT,” organizers will no doubt be pleased. Live auction items included a Monarch Jewelers diamond pendant, several exclusive getaways, a “Toasted Food Truck” party, and a night out on the town in a limo. Sponsorship in excess of $147,000 exceeded goals.

Matt Winter and Jane Lehman, Allstate Insurance Company, served as Honorary Chairs for the 2015 Children’s Charity Ball. Matt is the president of The Allstate Corporation and chief executive officer of the Allstate Life Insurance Company. Jane is on the Bridge Board of Directors.

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Guests bid on silent auction items. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

‘Miller Light’ was the theme of this Basket Raffle prize. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Jon and Dee Newton. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Peter and Cynthia Gutermann. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The Bridge Family Center Executive Director Margaret Hann. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Emcee Scot Haney. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Raffle baskets were all ‘light’ themed. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Jitu Huntley and Jen Evans from WHC-TV. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Guests bid on silent auction items. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Joan and Zach Karas. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Kara Flanagan and Kathy Christensen. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Shevon and Tom Hickey. Children’s Charity Ball, West Hartford, Jan. 17, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton