READER SUBMITTED :
May 22, 2013|Megan Bernardini, communications and special
events manager, Prudence Crandall Center, Inc.,
Prudence Crandall Center (PCC) is pleased to announce that
the 40th Anniversary Gala and Auction, held Friday, May
3, at the Aqua Turf Club, successfully raised over $60,000.00 to directly
support the vital programs and services offered by PCC to victims of domestic
violence. The event was presented by the Petit Family Foundation and sponsored
in part by Stanley Black and Decker and the American Savings Foundation. Claudia
Barbieri, president of the Prudence Crandall Center Board of Directors served as
event chair and Dr. William A. Petit Jr., Christine Petit, Johanna Petit
Chapman, and the late Dennis Chapman served as honorary chairs.
Senator Richard Blumenthal attended to honor PCC with a
proclamation in recognition of the organization's 40th Anniversary, as well as
to thank the staff and dedicated supporters of the cause. Gina Barreca, women's
humorist, Hartford Courant columnist, author, and professor of feminist theory
at the University of Connecticut, entertained guests with her humor and
relatable stories as the evenings honored speaker and local television
personality and host of FOX CT's Morning News, Erika Arias did a fantastic job
as the evening's host.
"The Gala's success comes from our community members who
donated money, items, or time, all with the common goal of assisting victims and
their families," said the Chair of the event and Prudence Crandall Center Board
President, Claudia Barbieri. "We are grateful for the donations, but also for
the opportunity to raise awareness of the domestic violence issue on a very
public level. It is unfortunate that places like the
Gala attendees also enjoyed gourmet food, a variety of silent
and live auction items and the music of 10-piece show band, Head Over Heels, all
in support of a wonderful cause.