Unitarian Church Seeks Donations for Auction Dinner Gala

WESTPORT, CT – "Do I hear $5, yes! $15 in the corner, $35, going once, going twice..."

Thus are the sounds of an auction, and The Unitarian Church in Westport has begun planning its first gala dinner/dance auction to be held October 25 at the church. All proceeds will benefit the many community outreach projects the church participates in yearly.

According to committee chair Mary Elizabeth Peterson, the theme is 'Skyline Lounge' and will feature all the fun and excitement of the late 1950s and early1960s cocktail lounge culture.

"The church hosts community, music and theater events regularly. The church also participates in the Interfaith Council of Westport/Weston, an ecumenical program comprised of local churches and synagogues. They provide temporary housing for families who are homeless by hosting them in their communities," Peterson stated.

Already this year, the church has provided nearly $8,000 in aid to organizations such as the Brazilian Immigration Center, Mercy Learning Center, Home for the Brave, Newtown Foundation, Greater Bridgeport Adolescent Pregnancy Program, Operation Fuel, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Family ReEntry, Project Longevity, and the Lighthouse Program.

Perhaps the church's biggest community outreach is the Beardsley School a struggling inner-city school in Bridgeport. Volunteers become mentors, tutors and readers for grades K-6. They also provide job coaching, financial seminars, new and used books, a myriad of school and teacher supplies, winter coats, backpacks, clothing, scholarships, swimming lessons, musical instruments and more to help the school.

"The goal to aid these important causes is an ambitious $40,000," said Peterson.

The auction is a chance for local folks to go out on the town, dress up, and enjoy Sinatra-style music selections from Steve Kazlauskas. Local TV and radio talent David Smith will be the auctioneer.

Currently, there are donations of an autographed Henrik Lundqvist jersey, a boat ride out to Cockenoe Island and a once-a-month delivery of a loaf of just baked homemade bread.

"We are looking for donations of anything from art to an airplane ride and will accept donations of the arcane as well as the traditional," Peterson said.

The auction catalog will be published by the end of September. All items and donations will be listed and described. The catalog also provides ads from local businesses and other auction supporters.

To donate an item or service or to advertise, please contact Mary Elizabeth Peterson at (203) 293-4032 or click to http://uuwestport.org for more details.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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