The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Mayor’s ball proceeds to help ALS treatment
CROMWELL — It was held at a new venue and at a different time in the year, but what made the third annual mayor’s gala truly stand out was the generosity of the attendees.
In fact, the charitable contributions this year set a record. The event, established by incumbent Mayor Enzo Faienza, is intended to recognize local businesses and residents who have contributed to making the town a better place.
Proceeds from the event are usually dispersed to different charities or institutions. However, this year, Faienza chose just one: the Hospital for Special Care, and in particular its research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and treatment of patients who have the disease.
Thanks to the generosity of the people and organizations that took part in the gala, Faienza was able to present the hospital with a check for $9,000.
“That’s the most we ever raised,” said Faienza. “The turnout was a fantastic, and it made for a both a fantastic evening as well as a fantastic donation for this every important cause.”
ALS is commonly known in America as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in honor of the Hall of Fame first baseman for the New York Yankees who was diagnosed with the disease in 1939.
He died in 1941. Typically, diseases are named for the doctors who identify them, not patients. Outside of America, ALS is known as Charcot’s disease in honor of the French doctor Jaen-Martin Charcot, who established the link between the disease’s symptoms and its underlying cause.
Faienza lost a close friend to the disease and said he hoped by directing money to HSN he could help “create an awareness of this very debilitating disease.”
Last month, in the company of state Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell, the mayor toured the hospital and met with researchers working on the disease. He then hand delivered the check to Lynn Ricci, the hospital’s president and CEO.
Until this year, the gala had been held in early fall in a local hotel. This year, the venue was changed to the Tournament Players Club at River Highlands and moved up on the calendar.
The TPC will host the Travelers Championship golf tournament later this month, from June 18 to 24.
The event itself was more relaxed than in previous years. In addition, Faienza said he had opted to “change the whole theme” of the gala and replace what had been a formal event with “a less dressy, business-casual approach.”
The meal was catered by the TPC, and the Cromwell High School Jazz Band provided the musical entertainment, Faienza said.
Rodney Bitgood, owner of the Cromwell Automotive, and Cara Ehlers, Liberty bank vice president, were honored for their efforts in creating the Cromwell Merchants Association. The CMA organizes Hallowe’en and Christmas events on the historic center of town on Main Street.
Bitgood was honored for his commitment to civic duty, while Ehlers was recognized for her commitment to volunteerism. The Arborio Corp. was recognized for its corporate citizenship.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the sponsors, attendees, the Cromwell High Jazz Band and the community for all their support of this event,” Faienza said. “I feel, as community leaders, we need to find ways to give back and help others.”