Thousands Raised for Autism and Wounded Military Veterans

The Greater Newington Charitable Society, Inc. (GNCS) raised $11,000 at its annual signature event — the Indian Summer BBQ Bash this fall. Proceeds went to The Autism Center at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain and The Fisher House in West Haven. Fisher House lodges military families while their loved ones are treated for illnesses, wounds and trauma for free.

Representatives from each organization — Wendy DeAngelo, Vice President, Development and Communications at the Hospital for Special Care and Stephanie Mocknick of Fisher House Connecticut — took a few moments to educate the guests about the services they provide. DeAngelo also commented, “It was a great event and it means so much to us to see such an outpouring of support in our community.”

More than 125 attendees were treated to a fantastic barbecue buffet catered by Up In Smoke BBQ and danced to the music of Jamie’s Junk Show, a local Connecticut favorite. There was a teacup raffle with over 30 high-quality gifts; and a fantastic door prize donated by Melanie Thomson Communications Design.

The highlight of the evening was the live auction, called by local radio personality Steve Parker. Guests bid on a pair of season tickets at Foxboro Stadium for a New England Patriots game in December and two pair of Red Sox v. Yankees tickets to Fenway Park for next season. Highest bidders were Carol and Diane (Patriots Tickets), and Sue Couture and Pat Gallagher (Red Sox tickets).

“Our members really care about giving back to the community,” explains Greater Newington Charitable Society member Craig Daniels. “We had a great evening. The food and band were excellent. Newington High School Key Club volunteers were a big help. And, all the profits go to worthy causes.”
 
Quincy Mutual Insurance was the BBQ Bash’s Gold Sponsor and ServPro of Newington/Central Hartford generously donated New England Patriots tickets. Corporate sponsors included Aqua Backflow/Gallicchio Plumbing, Campbell Cooling and Heating, Connecticut Insurance Exchange of Newington and its in-house charity — the Blue Jeans Fund, CT Insurance Exchange of Southington, Dana DePercio Electric, Hedberg Wealth Management, IP Genie, London & London, and Sojourn Mortgage. Duksa Funeral Home, McBride Wayside Carpet, Ray Seraphin Ford and Turgeon Jewelers sponsored desserts.
 
Daniels added, “Year after year, our sponsors and generous donors are a big factor in the event’s success. When people care about their community it makes a world of difference.”
 
Contact us for more information about GNCS and membership.