Friends and supporters of the South Central CT Chapter of the American Red Cross came out on Friday, June 20^th to Paint the Town Red in honor of the Chapter’s 100^th anniversary.  More than 200 people attended the event held at Woodwinds in Branford and were treated to the award-winning cuisine of Madison-based Chef Silvio Suppa and the sounds of The Cartells, a six-piece band which played a variety songs from jazz guitar through cocktails, to dinner music, to dancing.
 

The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction.  Dinner began with a champagne toast offered by Board Chair Joseph Bartozzi.  A live auction followed facilitated by none other than Mr. Red Cross himself, hot dog king Eric Hummel.  The evening was capped off with an array of delicious desserts from the Venetian table and dancing.

Host Laurie Perez, Fox 61 News anchor, welcomed everyone and started the program with the presentation of our nation’s flag by the U.S. Army Honor Guard of the New Haven Recruiting Station.  Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Long Island Sound New Haven, were also in attendance in tribute to the Service to the Armed Forces we provide.  

CEO Charles Frey spoke about the Chapter’s array of services and successes this year, highlighting several community partners including Madison Auto Body and the United Way of Greater New Haven.  Special attention was given to our local disaster response which has increased 20% this past year which prompted a special collection to help the Chapter help its neighbors in need.

In all, more than $50,000 was generated through the gala in support of local disaster relief.  This past year, the Chapter has responded to 88 local house fires providing emergency food, clothing and shelter for nearly 500 of our neighbors.