Chamber Foundation Holiday Gala raises nearly $100,000 to help children

EASTERN CONNECTICUT -- The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation raised nearly $100,000 ($98,295) during its 27th Annual Holiday Gala at the Mohegan Sun, Lou Ziegler, the Foundation board chair announced today.

 

 “To have raised this amount during these challenging economic times is a true demonstration of the support this Foundation has and is a vote of confidence in our mission to provide assistance to a wide range of organizations that work hard to brighten the lives of children in eastern Connecticut,” he said. 

 

“We will begin a process early next year to review grant applications. We will be looking to distribute our available funds to enhance and enrich the economic and educational opportunities for the children in our region.”

 

                Both Ziegler and Tony Sheridan, president and CEO of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce said the annual event was such a huge success because of the hard work put into it by many in the community.

 

                “I would like to thank all those who helped make this the resounding success that it was,” Sheridan said.  “The Mohegan Tribe deserves our thanks, along with Foundation members, volunteers and chamber staff. To all I would say, you have done something good for the children of our region.”

 

 

27th Annual Holiday Gala

Dec. 13, 2010

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                Singled out for praise at the event were Chief Lynn Malerba and individual members of the Mohegan Tribal Council.  The tribe’s support of the event was cited as the major reason why the overwhelming amount of money raised goes directly to provide presents for children at Christmas and services for children throughout the year.

                Not to be forgotten were those who donated more than 130 items that were auctioned off at the event. Ziegler and Sheridan also thanked auctioneer Sam Piotrkowski who donated his services.

                The Holiday Gala planning was headed by Ziegler and consisted of: Stacey Stevens, Birk Manufacturing; Aimee Wickless, Brown Jacobson, P.C.; Dawn Decristofaro, Chelsea Groton Bank; Donna Ceccarelli and Kate Tiffany, both of Dime Bank.

Also,  Lisa Griffin, Eastern Federal Bank; Angelo Olivieri, Olivieri Financial Services; Joan Shea, People’s United Bank; Meredith Diette, Siegel, O’Connor, O’Donnell & Beck P.C.; Ronald Loomis, SoundMusic;

And, Jennifer White, The Citizens National Bank; Pamela Allen Kinder, United Community and Family Services; Shelley Nemic, Wireless Zone.

                Early in 2011, the Foundation will be reviewing applications for grants to be distributed in the first quarter of 2011.  Information about applying may be obtained at:

http://www.chamberect.com/foundation.html

                Last year, the chamber Foundation awarded grants totaling $62,000 to 19 organizations in eastern Connecticut that provide services for children. Between 2002 and last year, the Foundation has given away more than $605,000.

 

 

The mission of the Foundation is:  Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation,  a business community based 501(c)(3) foundation affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, dedicated to promoting initiatives that enhance and enrich education and economic opportunities in the Chamber service area.  www.chamberect.com