A press release from The Chamber:
Foundation raised nearly $109,000 ($108,825.61) at its December 9 Holiday Gala at the Mohegan Sun that was attended by more than 500 people.
The money will be used to aid organizations that work on behalf of children in eastern Connecticut, as it has for nearly 30 years.
“The caring people of eastern Connecticut have come through again,” said Lou Ziegler, the Foundation’s board chair. “Their generosity and desire to help children in our region is very encouraging. I can’t thank them enough.”
Tuesday’s announcement of the amount raised at the 28th annual gala also included a call for organizations in eastern Connecticut to apply for grants.
The deadline for applying is the second Friday of the month, which this year is Feb. 10. Applications postmarked on the on that day will be accepted. Announcements will be made in March.
Among other things, applications should include a concise narrative of the proposal, and a copy of the non-profit status letter from the IRS.
Complete details of the application process can be found by going to the “about us” section at www.ChamberECT.com, and clicking on 501 c (3).
Tony Sheridan, the chamber’s president and CEO, said the annual effort is a source of pride for the chamber’s non-profit arm, as well as chamber members in general.
“There are so many people to thank for making this event the spectacular success that it is,” he said. “Certainly at the top of the list are the Mohegan Sun, our presenting sponsor, and the Mohegan Tribe. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do this in the manner that we do.”
Sheridan went on to thank the many donors whose items were auctioned off, and the auctioneer Sammy Petrowsky who has selflessly donated his time and talent for many years.
This year, Kevin Hogan of WFSB television served as the master of ceremonies, and also did a great job, Sheridan said.
