Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary's Second Annual Gala Raises Over $430,000

Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary Gala Raises Over $438,000 for Phase One of Animal Sanctuary Build

In a touching tribute to the life and legacy of a first-grader lost in the Sandy Hook tragedy, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation hosted its second annual Gala, “Imagining a Kinder World” on December 1^st in Newtown, CT. The annual gala was a night to remember, drawing over 360 supporters, celebrities and animal advocates from across the region to raise funds for the first phase of construction for the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary whose property is located on 34 acres in the heart of Newtown, Connecticut. 

The black-tie event, which took place at a private horse farm in Newtown honored the life and legacy of Catherine Hubbard and celebrated her love for animals and kindness for all beings. The evening highlighted the Foundation’s progress during the past 6 years and the success of the sanctuary’s renowned community programs to-date. Guests also received an inside glimpse into the future design of the expansive animal sanctuary grounds, featuring various facilities, educational programs and environmental initiatives for animals and people alike.

In one night, $438,000 was raised for the first phase of the animal sanctuary build. In addition, the Blue Buffalo Foundation donated $250,000 for the creation of the “Blue Buffalo Reception Area” in the sanctuary’s future veterinary intake center. And in a surprise announcement, Williams Architectural Millwork of Newtown promised to donate all millwork fabrication labor for Catherine’s Library, in the new building.

Gretchen Carlson named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” guided the evening as the master of ceremony while guests sipped on luxury artisan cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and enjoyed a gourmet plated dinner.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Catherine Violet Hubbard Kindness Award to Dr. Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist. In a heartfelt video acceptance speech, Dr. Goodall shared her unwavering support of the sanctuary’s mission and a common goal of compassion for all living creatures. 

Celebrity animal advocates and conservationists, Jarod Miller and Dr. Mireya Mayor, brought an up close and personal introduction to their rescued animal ambassadors as they shared the importance of protecting animals and their natural habitats.

A musical performance by the Madrigal Choir of Greenwich Academy brought a spirit of peace and holiday magic to an already festive atmosphere, complete with twenty sugar maple trees lit majestically around the room. After the event, those very trees were transported and planted at the sanctuary property, their new forever home.

Finally, Micky Dolenz of the legendary rock band, THE MONKEES, brought hands together and guests to their feet as all danced the night away.

Jennifer Hubbard, Catherine’s mother and President of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, couldn’t have been happier with the success of the event. “Six years ago, I could have never imagined that so many people would come together – year after year – to honor the memory of my daughter and support the animals that she held so dear. It gives me such hope and a grateful heart to know that we are creating a place of peace and healing for so many.”

To learn more about the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary or to donate, please visit www.CVHFoundation.org.