‘Horses and Hats in the Hills’ aids CJR

Kentucky Derby-themed event set for Saturday at the Litchfield Inn

LITCHFIELD >> Planning for The Litchfield Aid of CJR’s Horses and Hats in the Hills Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser to benefit of the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) is well underway, with fewer than half of the seats available to participate remaining, according to event chairperson and Litchfield Aid president Patricia Hearn.

Horses and Hats in the Hills, which will be held on Saturday, May 6, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Tavern Off the Green at The Litchfield Inn, will include watching the 143rd Kentucky Derby, a buffet dinner, open bar, music and dancing, and a special performance by The Nutmeg Dancers.

The evening will also include a live auction and a 50/50 horse race raffle. In keeping with its fashionable predecessors, High Stakes in the Hills (2016) and High Style in the Hills (2014), this year’s benefit will feature a hat contest and participants are invited to don their finest Derby-inspired attire.

“We have a very active and enthusiastic Event Committee working to make the Horses and Hats in the Hills benefit a success,” Hearn said. “With such a talented and committed group of individuals collaborating on this occasion, you can be assured that it will be a festive and unique event.”

According to Hearn, up to 200 guests can be accommodated and the roster is filling steadily. “We always have a surge in reservations two weeks before the event and are already well over halfway to our limit, so prompt response is recommended,” she advised.

Lead business sponsors for this year’s event are William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty and Torrington Savings Bank. Peter and Mary Tavino of Litchfield are honorary hosts. (Photos attached; caption page 2.)

“This Kentucky Derby event celebrates the spirit of community camaraderie while providing assistance to help young people be productive members of the community,” stated Mary Tavino. “Peter and I are especially proud to support our local youth from Litchfield, Morris and Goshen who are enrolled in CJR programs, as well as the many other boys and girls from throughout Litchfield County and Connecticut who are helped by CJR’s care, treatment and education services,” she said.

Tickets are available via The Litchfield Aid of CJR’s website: www.litchfieldaid.org. Participation is limited and available reservations are filling quickly.

All proceeds from Horses and Hats in the Hills will benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic, a Litchfield-based private nonprofit agency founded in 1904. CJR is committed to serving the most vulnerable children and families in Connecticut and to utilizing effective, family-focused and strength-based treatment and education models to help young people achieve their full potential as contributing members of their homes, schools and communities. CJR’s combined residential and community-based programs serve nearly 2,000 boys, girls and families annually in 11 locations throughout Connecticut.

The Litchfield Aid of CJR was founded in 1911 by 12 Litchfield women for the sole purpose of supporting the programs and facilities of the Connecticut Junior Republic. Since its inception, The Aid has contributed more than $2.5 million to CJR, playing a primary role in funding the library and media center in CJR’s Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center; the Bertha Wheeler Gymnasium and Pool Complex; renovations to CJR’s Administration Building in Litchfield; as well as providing significant financial support to many of the academic, vocational and wellbeing programs in place at CJR.

For further information, contact Hedy Barton, CJR Director of Development and Public Relations at 860-567-9423, ext. 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org

PHOTO BY HILARY ADORNO — CONNECTICUT JUNIOR REPUBLIC Pictured from left are: Margoux the Horse, Courtesy of Viktoria Sleeper and Terra Cello Farm; Honorary Hosts Mary and Peter Tavino; and Event Chair, Patricia Hearn.