YWCA New Britain - Annual Dinner & Auction

ANNUAL DINNER & AUCTION

YWCA’s 18th Annual Dinner & Auction was held November 18 at Farmington Gardens in Farmington. Over 150 guests enjoyed a memorable evening filled with good food and fun as they bid on unique live and silent auction items.

Together, we raised over $42,000 to support YWCA programs and services. Proceeds from the Dinner & Auction help fund important YWCA programs including job training for certified nurse assistants; quality, affordable childcare; support for at-risk families; health and fitness; sexual assault crisis services and prevention education; and youth enrichment and leadership development for middle school girls.

Popular live auction items this year included a steak and lobster dinner at a private home, a one-week stay at a vacation condo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with a gift certificate towards airfare, and tickets to a performance at Carnegie Hall complete with an overnight stay in a Park Avenue apartment in New York City.

This year’s honorees were Paul and Carol Virostek of Berlin. Since they moved to the area as newlyweds they have tried to show their appreciation for the richness and generosity of their community. Their longtime support of local non-profit agencies and institutions range from the YWCA, the Friendship Center, Community Foundation, and Prudence Crandall Center, to the Symphony and Museum, CCSU, St. Paul Church, and Berlin Public Schools. Paul and Carol are devoted to the community, and intend to remain so for a long time to come.

The YWCA also held a cash raffle drawing at the event. Prior to the Auction, volunteers and friends sold $20 raffle tickets for the chance to win one of three cash prizes. First prize of $5,000 was awarded to Paula Yukna of New Britain, second prize of $2,000 was presented to Donna Lasher of Kensington who generously donated her winnings back to the YWCA, and third prize of $500 was awarded to Frank Harvey of New Britain. Congratulations to all!