‘Deck the Halls’ martini tasting for FISH

TORRINGTON — “Deck the Halls” Martini Tasting Party at Five Points Gallery,33 Main St., Torrington, will be held Dec. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. to benefit FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut, which runs a food pantry and homeless shelter in Torrington.

Arriving guests will be greeted by holiday musical favorites as they enter the art gallery. A silent auction will also be held.

Entries are wanted for a martini recipe competition to be prepared and served at the party, with guests voting for their favorite People's Choice.

Up to nine entries for martini recipes will be accepted until Dec. 3. Entries are accepted for a $300 sponsorship donation; a few spots remain, according to event organizers. A display of vintage martini shakers will also be displayed.

Charlene Dutka of Ciesco Catering, is preparing refreshments, appetizers and beverages including cocoa, wine and mulled cider.

Money raised during the holiday gala will be donated to FISH NWCT’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Event organizers include Judith McElhone, Deirdre DiCara, Noel Croce, Charlene Dutka, Nancy Strini, Edward Cannata, and Cara Blazier.

Deirdre Houlihan DiCara, Executive Director of FISH NWCT, and Steven Caruso, Board President, who both work diligently to improve and guide the lives of those in need; and Judith McElhone, Executive Director of the Five Points Gallery and generous venue host, who provides inspiration through the arts; will all be on hand to greet supporters.

The mission at FISH NWCT is to provide food, shelter and hope to those neighbors facing an economic crisis and desperate need.

“At FISH NWCT, the focus is to improve residents' lives by providing them with the resources, guidance, medical assistance, and educational and work opportunities needed to be independent and able to manage their own households,” DiCara said in a statement. “Last year the FISH Food Pantry distributed enough food to provide 108,439 meals to its nearly 1,800 registered food pantry clients At the FISH Homeless Shelter, there were 147 residents served, representing all ages from infants to seniors and Veterans, at the 35 bed shelter, with 75 of those homeless residents relocated into permanent supportive housing.”

Tickets for the party are $35 per person and $60 per couple and can be reserved in advance or purchased at the door on Dec. 5.

For tickets, visit FISH NWCT at 332 South Main Street in Torrington at the side pantry entrance; call 860-482-7300; or go to www.fishnwct.org.

Contributed photo A martini tasting party, “Deck the Halls,” on Dec. 5 will benefit FISH of Northwest Connecticut, which provides food and shelter to Torrington-area residents. Above, supporters and members, including FISH executive director Dierdre DiCara, second from the right, and United Way of Northwest Connecticut executive director Owen Quinn, third from the right, took part in the Rally to End Hunger and Homelessness on Nov. 18. The party will be held at Five Points Gallery in Torrington.