With lots of spring in their step, four hundred-plus people from the Greater Danbury area and beyond filled the Amber Room Colonnade at 7:30 this morning for RVNAhealth’s 23rd Annual Spring Breakfast. It was a true breakfast of champions and a celebration of a nonprofit that has been an essential part of communities for 106 years!
As table hosts poured hot coffee for their guests, the room buzzed with lively conversation and laughter. RVNAhealth Board Member Andrea Gartner skillfully gathered the attention of the enthusiastic crowd, welcoming them and preparing for the morning’s program to commence.
Cantor Penny Kessler began the event with a heartfelt invocation. Senator Julie Kushner, a dedicated Danbury resident deeply aware of RVNAhealth's impact, took the podium next. Senator Kushner presented a special proclamation, recognizing the RVNAhealth Well-Child team for its remarkable achievements. She highlighted the team's vital role in providing medical care, nursing, translation services, and social services to over 500 underserved children and families in Danbury each year as part of the agency's longstanding commitment to Community Health & Wellness programs.
Theresa Santoro, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, thanked the guests for their presence at this significant event. She highlighted the agency's comprehensive continuum of care, which now includes the newly launched Parkinson's Center, as well as dedicated support for dementia and hospice care.
One of the morning's highlights was gaining a firsthand understanding of the pivotal role RVNAhealth plays in our community. Anne Mead, Director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships, shed light on the significant impact of RVNAhealth's Well-Child Program in the Danbury Public Schools, where hundreds of underserved school-aged children receive medical care and immunizations at no cost.
After Anne Mead's inspiring speech, Auctioneer Michael McGuirk realtor, kicked off the live auction. Attendees were invited to bid on an array of enticing items, including a summer getaway to the Cape, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa, an exquisite dinner party, Broadway, golf outings, and Major League Baseball.
Visit RVNAhealth online https://rvnahealth.org/ to learn more about this important nonprofit.
In attendance this morning were First Selectmen and Mayors (l to r): New Milford Mayor Pete Bass, Roxbury First Selectman Patrick Roy, Bethel First Selectman and RVNAheath Board Member Dan Carter, Ridgefield First Selectperson Rudy Marconi Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, and Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci. They are shown in the photo with RVNAhealth President and CEO Theresa Santoro.
*All images courtesy Deborah O'Brien Photography. Learn more https://deborahobrien.com/