Vista’s Starlight Benefit Blazed New Trails to Success

Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center’s Starlight Benefit occurred on Saturday, April 26th at the Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, CT.

Vista was proud to acknowledge Eileen Banisch, Executive Director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, as this year’s Starlight Benefit Honoree. This year’s Starlight Benefit carried a Western theme “Blazing New Trails to Success.” Event attendees wore their best western gear, from cowboy boots to cowboy hats. 

With nearly 300 attendees, the 2013 Starlight Benefit raised over $100,000 including proceeds from a special auction that benefited Vista’s Student and Member Enrichment Fund. The support, generosity and enthusiasm shown Saturday evening is appreciated by all those connected to Vista.

The event’s program featured line dance performances by Vista students, Starlight Benefit committee members and lively audience volunteers, as well as guitar performances throughout the evening.  The theme was highlighted with props and decorations including cacti, “Vista Saloon” and a general store.

In collaboration with Chamard Vineyards, Vista showcased western labeled “Vista Vines” wines produced and bottled by Chamard Vineyards for Vista. The label designs were created by Vista students and members.

Vista thanks the myriad of event sponsors, the event chairpersons, a multitude of Vista families and community members as well as the numerous local businesses that participated in this year’s event by purchasing sponsorships and tickets, by donating auction items or by purchasing ads in the event program book - all showing support of Vista’s mission. 

To see photos from the event, find Vista on Facebook.

Based in Madison and Westbrook, CT, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization.  Vista’s mission is “Providing services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success.”

For more information regarding Vista, please visitwww.vistavocational.org