Women's Center 19th Annual Fundraising Dinner Most Successful Ever Raising More than $375,000

Women’s Center Honors Raffaele Gallo and Celebrates Glori Norwitt – Ridgefield Residents

The Women’s Center hosted its annual dinner, “An Evening Together,” at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury on Friday, June 18th. They welcomed more than 340 guests to celebrate their achievements as they work to end the violence in the community. The annual dinner is one of three major fundraisers for the Center and this year more than $375,000 was raised to support their critical programs and services, all of which are provided free of charge to the community.

This year, Raffaele Gallo was honored with the Founders Award, which is given in honor of the three founding members of the Center. Raffaele has owned and operated Toscano, Gallo and now The Lantern in Ridgefield, as well as other restaurants in NYC and Boston. Rein Osteria, on the Danbury/New Fairfield border, where he will be Head Chef, is soon to open. Raffaele was chosen for his philanthropic support of the Women’s Center and the entire Ridgefield community. They also had the honor of celebrating Glori Norwitt for her more than eight years of service as the Women’s Center Board Chair and a direct service volunteer.

The night’s theme was Survivor to Thriver with a video presentation highlighting the success of a Women’s Center client who is thriving today, and special recognition was given to Center staff who do this challenging work.

Despite the Center’s dark issues, Comedian Christine O’Leary kept the night upbeat. There was an online auction filled with gift certificates, items, trips and experiences, as well as lively bidding wars during our live auction. The positive energy was palpable!

For more information about Women’s Center events, or to make a donation, please contact Linda Cummins, Special Events Manager, at (203) 731-5200.