Avon, CT - Giving Tuesday arrived early for Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and housewares to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, as a total of $40,178 was raised at its Annual Fall Gala.  The “Fall in Love” fundraising event, which took place on Friday, November 3, 2023 at the Farmington Gardens banquet hall, attracted 129 registrants, all seeking to show their charity, love and fall spirit!  All proceeds directly benefit the charity that is dedicated to assisting and securing residents in 41 towns with vital, basic needs.

“We couldn’t have dreamed of a better turnout and financial success for our first big fundraiser since the pandemic,” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “This just exemplifies that the giving spirit is alive and well across the Connecticut community and we are grateful for our sponsors, attendees, donors and volunteers who came out to support their neighbors in need.”

Sponsors included American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Garrity Asphalt Reclaimers, Carmon Funeral Homes, and M&T Bank and attendees enjoyed dancing, a photo booth, trivia, wine pull and specialty cocktails.

A major highlight of the event was a live auction with such exciting prizes as a Stanley Black & Decker tool kit; Lego Palace Cinema set;  a framed canvas from a renowned, local artist; wine tasting; restaurant and jewelry gift cards to area merchants; individual and family photo shoots; and a one-week stay in Newport, RI.
Gifts of Love clients include an overlooked population who are above the federal poverty level and, therefore, not eligible for supplemental programs. In 2022, the non-profit served nearly 1,400 household members throughout Greater Hartford, and stretched as far northeast as Vernon, as far south as Wallingford, and as far west as Waterbury.

Additionally, the organization provides boxes of food each month to seniors 62 and over through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program; serves 75 to 100 people through its mobile food distribution sites; provides hundreds of clients and their families with all the fixings to prepare a Thanksgiving meal; distributes over 325 backpacks filled with meals, snacks and drinks to students who receive free or reduced-cost administered each weekend; administers the CT Operation Fuel program for residents of the Farmington Valley, which provides emergency assistance up to $1,000 to residents struggling to pay their energy and utility bills; and opens its annual Holiday Shoppe in December, allowing approximately 350 client families to receive gift cards and shop for new toys and other gifts.

“The need has never been greater as we are constantly seeing new faces walking through the doors of our two office locations,” adds Gray.  “With the monies raised from this successful event, combined with the continuous goodwill of Connecticut residents, we know that we’ll help our clients get through the upcoming winter season warm and well-fed.”