Over the past few years, Fred Astaire Southbury, in conjunction with Fred Astaire New England, has lent their support in helping to raise the funds needed to build Connecticut Fisher House which recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to start construction. Fred Astaire Dance Studios of New England raised over $190,000.00 toward this vital project which will provide comfort and support for military and veterans families.
As part of Fred Astaire Studios New England, Fred Astaire Southbury participated in two Dancing With Our Heroes Galas.The proceeds of these fundraising events were donated to Friends of Fisher House Connecticut for the construction of a Fisher House on the grounds of West Haven VA Hospital. Fisher House Foundation nationwide provides a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one receives specialized medical care at a nearby facility.
The Dancing With Our Heroes events spotlighted ballroom and latin dancing competitions featuring military men and women who were partnered with professional dance instructors from Fred Astaire Dance Studios of New England. Fred Astaire Southbury donated studio time, instructors and a total of 20 free lessons to the competing military members for their dance training. Fred Astaire Southbury co-owner Paulo Jorge also donated his time and talents to the creation of the brochures for both Dancing With Our Heroes galas. The events included dinner, silent auction, and a professionally choreographed show along with the competition for best dance team.
“The Dancing with our Heroes events were a tremendous success in support of Friends of Fisher House”, said Fred Astaire Southbury co-owner, Christian Lange. “We are so proud and honored to have been part of this tremendous effort and the positive impact it will have on military veterans and their families”.
“We want to thank the veterans who participated in our Dancing With our Heroes event and all who were able to join in celebrating the start of the Fisher House at the West Haven campus of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. We were so honored to share this special moment with our Southbury community, and are so grateful for the support of all our New England dance studios have provided in making this home a reality. We expect this new Fisher House will continue the tradition of providing care, comfort and compassion for Veterans' families for years to come -because of your support.” said proudly by co-owner, Paulo Jorge.
At the April 11th groundbreaking ceremony for Fisher House a plaque recognizing their generosity was presented to Fred Astaire New England Studios.