Annual Children's Charity Ball Will Help Many 'Imagine' a Better Future - We-Ha

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

Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

A quote from Albert Einstein was printed on a sign on the wall of the Hartford Golf Club: “Imagination is everything – it is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”

“Imagine” was the theme of the event and on Saturday night, the generosity of guests and the sponsors of the Children’s Charity Ball in West Hartford made it possible for the children and families served by The Bridge Family Center to continue to imagine a better future.

A total of 375 guests – community and business leaders from West Hartford and the surrounding area – arrived at the Hartford Golf Club elegantly decked out in black tie attire. The evening was mild for late January – in start contrast to last year’s gala which coincided with one of the winter’s snowiest nights.

The “Imagine” theme was represented in the pink-hued and dreamy, balloon-filled clubhouse and in creative baskets that committed members put together for the raffle. The event included a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the live music of the Timmy Maia Band.

WFSB meteorologist and co-host of “Better CT” Scot Haney returned as emcee and auctioneer.

Live auction highlights included tickets to “Saturday Night Live” along with a luxury hotel; an overnight at the soon-to-open Delamar West Hartford with dinner for two and a couples massage; and two trips for two people each to an African game reserve. Haney donated a dinner at his home for 20 couples, and many also pledged to attend a fall fundraiser at Auerfarm.

Amanda Aronson, director of Marketing and Communications for The Bridge, said that although the final tally is not yet available the “Changing Lives Challenge,” which was preceded by a video created by Jitu Huntley about the work of the organization, raised almost $65,000 in pledges.

Allstate was the presenting sponsor, and this year sponsorships totaled more than $135,000, she said.

Last year’s gala raised more than $250,000 to support The Bridge Family Center’s work in the community.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!

Jane Lehman and Matt Winter. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Pat and Mike Tyler. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Mary Butler and Nancy Coursey. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

From left: Kathy Christiansen, Sean Flanagan, Kara Flanagan, Curt Christiansen. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Garold and Katharine Miller. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Heather Clifford’s diamond necklace was donated by Monarch Jewelers and was one of the live auction items. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bridge Executive Director Margaret Hann. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

WFSB’s Scot Haney served as emcee for the 16th year. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Michael and Shari Cantor. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Denise and Tom Hall. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

From left: Tom Hall, Denise Hall, Shari Cantor, Michael Cantor. Bridge Family Center’s 18th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. Jan. 21, 2017. Photo credit: Ronni Newton