Final Call for Connecticut’s “Roaring 20’s & 30’s” Costume Ball!

With only two weeks left until showtime, Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and household items to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, is giving a final call to all state residents to support its 2nd Annual Fall Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Farmington Gardens Banquet Hall. Dubbed “Club 35”, in honor of the charity’s 35th anniversary, Gifts of Love is encouraging attendees to wear roaring 1920’s and 30’s-era-appropriate costumes and apparel for an evening of nostalgic, spirited fun, but will welcome everyone in their current glad rags.

“We’re getting close to our registration cut-off date and don’t want anyone to miss out on this fun and festive event that’s sure to be the talk of the town well into the New Year!” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “Besides delicious food, colorful outfits and gorgeous décor, our auctioneer will be Eric Hummel of Hummel Bros. hot dog fame!”

Gray notes that many customized event sponsorship opportunities still exist for area businesses to join in support with Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Carmon Funeral Homes, Liberty Bank, and People’s Bank.

Gifts of Love services more than 40 towns across Connecticut by offering a fully-stocked grocery pantry consisting of non-perishable items, paper goods, personal hygiene items, meats, and fresh produce and dairy products, a housewares and small appliances pantry and a clothing boutique, where clients can come and shop once a month. The organization has locations in Avon and in Hartford to make it easy for those in need to access necessary goods and services. It is also on the front lines of fighting childhood hunger with its Weekend Food Backpack Program, during which it distributes backpacks stuffed with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks to more than 300 students each week who are receiving free or reduced-cost lunches throughout the school year.

The “Club 35” fundraising event will feature dinner; two hours of complimentary cocktails; live entertainment by the Simsbury High School Jazz Band, a roaming magician, tarot card reader, and caricaturist; a silent movie; a wine pull; and a live auction with such items as a $200 dinner voucher at Millwright’s Restaurant, tickets to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, dinner for 8 people from New England Pasta Company, and a private wine class for up to 20 guests, among many attractive prizes.

Individual tickets are $125 and a table of 10 costs $1,250. Both can be purchased in advance at www.giftsoflovect.org. To become an event partner or to donate a live auction item, contact: info@giftsoflovect.org or call 860-676-2323.

“In order to hit our fundraising goal of $57,000, we are really relying upon the entire Connecticut community to support the cause of assisting local residents with vital basic needs in our society today,” adds Gray.

About Gifts of Love

For 35 years, Gifts of Love has helped meet the basic needs of individuals and families in more than 40 Connecticut towns who are experiencing short-term financial crises so they can return to self-sufficiency and regain independence. The non-profit provides food, clothing and household

necessities to individuals and families in need. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For more information visit https://giftsoflovect.org/.