Children's Charity Ball in West Hartford Was 'More Than Just a Good Time'
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The 2017 Children’s Charity Ball netted nearly a quarter of a million dollars to support the mission of the Bridge Family Center.
From left: Paul Butler, committee member Elizabeth Wilcox, and her husband Dr. William Wilcox at the Children’s Charity Ball. Submitted photo
Submitted
On Jan. 21, 2017, the Bridge Family Center hosted the 2017 Children’s Charity Ball at the Hartford Golf Club to support its mission to foster the courage and strength in children and families to meet life’s challenges and build fulfilling lives.
The Presenting Sponsor was Allstate Insurance Company, and the event netted over $247,000 due to the generosity of guests, donors, and an array of sponsors, all of whom expressed an understanding about the importance of the organization’s mission in the region.
For residents and business owners in West Hartford, this event has special significance. Part of the proceeds support the work the Bridge does as the town’s contracted Youth Service Bureau (YSB).
“The Bridge is a hometown name in West Hartford,” says Amanda Aronson, director of Marketing & Communications for the Bridge, “but it’s important for people to remember that we are your YSB. We play an essential role to help keep children and families safe and healthy, which in turn, helps preserve the overall health and safety of our town.”
Aronson adds, “Many towns in our region only have a part-time employee serving as the Youth Service Bureau. Our work is expansive. We are in the schools each week meeting with teams and providing in-school counseling and mentoring; we have a thriving teen center in Elmwood; our Family Resource Center is among the best in the country, and supports learning for children, parents, caregivers, and refugee families who are learning English and getting settled. We work very closely with the police. And most people don’t know that we maintain open beds in our shelters for children and teens who are not “in the system” but are on the brink of homelessness or need a respite from their families. We are also on the front lines of substance abuse work in town, and are supporting LGBTQ families as they navigate the complexities of identity issues. We do a lot!”
The Bridge also runs three counseling centers in our region, one of which is located in West Hartford Center. All three take insurance.
The 2017 Children’s Charity Ball was a fun night, and we are glad people enjoyed it,” Aronson notes. “But for our staff, board, and planning committee, it was a critical event that helps us work hard for families. There is a lot more need in West Hartford and in our region than people realize, and we are deeply proud of the role we play in helping to meet that need. Our sincere thanks to all who made the evening a success.”
The mission of the Bridge Family Center is to foster the courage and strength in children and families to meet life’s challenges and build fulfilling lives. Counseling offices located in West Hartford, Avon, and Rockville.
