Creating Pathways Home at Always Home's Heart to Heart Gala

Always Home’s HEART TO HEART Gala is Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa. The Gala is the nonprofit social service agency’s primary fundraiser for the year and benefits Always Home’s mission, Preventing Family Homelessness.

Always Home believes that every child needs and deserves a safe place to call home. Yet families across Connecticut are quietly struggling with the risk of homelessness. Many are parents with young children who are worried they won't earn enough to pay this month's rent. In the past ten months, the agency has responded to over 450 families facing housing insecurity or homelessness.

“With the rising cost of rental housing and other basic needs, a growing number of low-income families are living on the edge of homelessness,” says Tricia Cunningham, Always Home’s Executive Director. “Our Heart to Heart Gala is about community coming together to create opportunities for families in housing crisis.” The annual gala raises funds that strengthen Always Home’s ability to provide Eastern Connecticut’s low-income families with case management services and short-term housing stabilization assistance. The gala also supports the agency’s Wheels to Work and Childcare Solutions programs designed to provide parents with the targeted assistance needed to maintain employment and stable housing.

Cunningham acknowledged that Always Home’s work would not be possible without a generous community of supporters, including the Heart to Heart Gala sponsors, patrons, auction donors, and attendees. She extended her thanks to Heart of Gold “Presenting” Sponsors The Whaler’s Inn, Resolute Dental Partners, and Darrell Fox, Financial Advisor and Vice President at PathView Wealth in Groton, CT, and to Giving Heart Sponsors ASA Environmental Products, Inc., Block Island Express, Groton Utilities, Power Posse Productions, Rose Hill Blooms, Shuta Productions, and Wireless Zone. “Their generosity is truly creating pathways home for families in housing crisis,” expressed Cunningham.

The “Garden Soirée” inspired evening begins at 5:30 pm with an Open Bar until 7 pm followed by a three-course gourmet dinner, silent auction of unique items and experiences, and dancing to DJ Doug of Power Posse Productions. This year, the Gala Silent Auction is again open to the public for bidding. For tickets and more information about the gala, and to preview and register to bid on silent auction items, please visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/hearttoheartgala2026/. 

To learn more about Always Home, visit www.alwayshome.org.