The Women's Center Celebrates 40 Years of Service with Grand Gala

The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury was aglow on Friday evening with hundreds of people who embrace and support the mission of The Women’s Center. This life-changing organization celebrated 40 years of being a safe haven for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties.

The Amber Room was transformed into an elegant ballroom, complete with dazzling crystal balls and roses. It was the perfect backdrop for cocktails and conversation, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and silent auction bidding - all in honor of an organization that fosters equality and empowerment for all.

Women’s Center Board Chair, Glori Norwitt welcomed attendees and thanked Past Presidents of the Center’s Board of Directors for helping to create the beams and bridges that have make The Women’s Center a pillar in Connecticut.

A highlight of the momentous event was listening to the powerful words of actor, bestselling author, and violence prevention advocate, Victor Rivas Rivers, who shared his very heart wrenching account of a childhood filled with physical and emotional abuse. “It takes a village to raise a child, and I’m that child,” proclaimed Rivers, who told attendees about the abuse he, his siblings, and his mother suffered at the hands of his father. “If there was a place like The Women’s Center, it would have been a lifeline for my family,” said Rivers. With tears in his eyes he added, “I wish my mom had you guys to turn to.” (Learn about Mr. River’s powerful story and renowned on-camera career by clicking here.)

Following Mr. Rivers presentation, Master of Ceremonies, Comedienne Christine O’Leary, kicked off an exciting live auction which included vacation packages, front row seats to a Billy Joel concert, and an in-home dinner party catered by Chef Raffaele Gallo.

The Women’s Center provides free and confidential services that prevent or lessen the trauma associated with domestic violence, sexual assault and other major life transitions. Last year, the Center served more than 25,000 women, men and children in 13 area towns.

All event proceeds will help to fund these free counseling, residential, prevention, and educational programs and services.

The Women’s Center thanks the many generous businesses who helped to make their 40th Anniversary Gala magnificent: Fairfield County Bank, Joe’s Salon & Spa, Mercedes Benz of Danbury, Newtown Savings Bank, Omaha Beef Co., Paul Dinto Electrical Contractors, Inc., Phys-Ed Health and Performance, Praxair, Inc., Prolifogy, Inc., Savings Bank of Danbury, and Union Savings Bank.

“With the generosity and support we receive each year, the Women’s Center is able to provide critically needed, often life-saving services to every adult and child turning to us for help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” explains President & CEO of the Women's Center, Pat Zachman.

About the Women’s Center

The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury provides free and confidential services to prevent or lessen the trauma associated with domestic violence, sexual assault and other major life transitions to thousands of women, children and men annually. The programs of the Women’s Center are supported by state and local government, area United Way agencies and the people and businesses in the communities we serve including Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman, Warren and Washington, CT.

*Images courtesy of Kristen Jensen Photography

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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