The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Mayor’s gala to benefit research into ALS treatment
Event set at TPC at River Highlands
CROMWELL — It has a new name and a new date, but the mayor’s gala continues its commitment to supporting medical care and research while honoring residents and businesses.
The event will take place April 28 at the Tournament Players Club at River Highlands.
The two previous galas, both of which took place in October, were formal events. However, Mayor Enzo Faienza said he made the decision to “change the whole theme.” And so, he has opted to go for a less dressy business-casual approach.
The gala will begin with a VIP reception at 6 p.m. followed by an hourlong cocktail reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and awards to a local business and two prominent residents with a long commitment to serving the town.
Once the presentations have concluded, it will be time for dinner and then dancing to the music provided by Music Plus DJ Service.
In addition to honoring a company and local residents, the gala is intended to serve as a fundraiser. This year, Faienza chose New Britain-based Hospital for Special Care’s ALS treatment and research.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is “a group of rare neurological diseases that mainly involve the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. Voluntary muscles produce movements like chewing, walking and talking,” according to the National Institutes of Health.
The disease is progressive and there is no known cure or treatment.
ALS, which affects 14,000 to 15,000 Americans a year, is also known as Lou Gehrig Disease, named for the most prominent victim of the disease, the New York Yankees star first baseman of the 1920s and ‘30s.
Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in 1939 and died of the disease in 1941. Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, who died in March, lived with ALS for more than 50 years.
Faienza said he lost a close friend in Italy to ALS, and has others “near and dear to me” affected by the disease. By directing money to ALS research, Faienza said, “I hope I can help by create awareness of this very debilitating disease.”
The Hospital for Special care has an enviable record both for treatment and research, Faienza said, explaining his decision to allocate money from the gala to the hospital.
The awards that will be presented include recognition of Arborio Construction as the corporate citizens of the year. The company, founded in 1913, is involved in construction in Connecticut and Massachusetts, according to its website. The third generation of the family, brothers Joseph, Peter and Tim, continue the family tradition.
“They are wonderful partners for the town,” Faienza said. “They are always prepared to give of their time and effort to help us out.”
The annual humanitarian award is being presented to Rodney Bitgood, owner of Cromwell Automotive and cofounder of the Cromwell Merchants Association. The other CMA cofounder, Cara Ehlers, vice president at Liberty Bank, is being recognized with the volunteer award.
“They have both been very involved in town affairs,” Faienza said of Bitgood and Ehlers.
The CMA was instrumental in organizing Hallowe’en on Main and Christmas on Main celebrations, as well as recognizing the contributions of Cromwell’s veterans, the mayor said.
“Through the years, Rodney and Cara have generously given of their time to make Cromwell a better place.”
Tickets are $100 each. The deadline to register is April 20 and registration is available at cromwellct.com. For information, contact the mayor’s office at 860-6323412.