Chamber Foundation's Holiday Gala Assists Eastern CT Children's Charities

Eastern CT – The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation announced it raised $115,000 at its 32nd Annual Holiday Gala at Mohegan Sun on December 11.  The funds will be used to assist children’s charities throughout our region.

Lou Ziegler, the Foundation’s Board Chair, worked tirelessly to continue the success of the Gala.  He acknowledged the community, especially the volunteers, for their continued support of the annual event. 
 
Ziegler noted, “This event would not be possible without the tremendous support from our planning committee, dedication of our volunteers, generosity of our sponsors and commitment from the Chamber staff.  In addition, the talent of Sam Piotrkowski, our energetic auctioneer, and Kevin Hogan of WFSB, our superb Master of Ceremonies, provide a level of entertainment that has come to be expected with this event.  Finally, we are grateful for the hospitality and support of our friends at the Mohegan Tribe and Mohegan Sun.”
 
“We look forward to continuing our fundraising efforts in April 2016 at the Chamber Foundation’s 5th Annual Bowl-a-Thon at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s High Roller Luxury Lanes,” Ziegler added.
  
The 32nd Annual Holiday Gala took place on December 11, 2015 in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.  The Gala featured over 120 unique packages sold to the highest bidders at its Silent and Live auctions. Additionally, 15 Door Prizes were given to lucky attendees.
 
In the coming weeks, the Foundation committee will meet to review grant applications from eligible children-oriented non-profit groups in order to distribute funds raised from the Holiday Gala and others held in the past year. 
 
Grant applications are available for download at www.ChamberECT.com/foundation. The deadline for submission is February 12, 2016.  The Foundation expects to make distributions to the awarded grantees in March with an announcement at the Chamber office in Waterford.
 
Since 2002, the Chamber Foundation has donated more than $1 million to numerous local organizations that serve the needs of children, specifically those groups that address the Foundation’s goal of funding projects which enhance and enrich education and economic opportunities in the Chamber’s service area. 

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation:
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation,  a business community based 501(c)(3) foundation affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, is dedicated to promoting initiatives that enhance and enrich education and economic opportunities in the Chamber service area.  Learn more at www.ChamberECT.com/foundation.