Calypso-themed Griffin Gala slated Oct. 3 at Oakdale Theater in Wallingford

 The 2026 Griffin Health Gala offers an enchanting evening of Caribbean music, dance and cuisine on Oct. 3 from 6-10:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Theater, 95 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford.

Entitled Calypso Nights, this unforgettable event will feature the rhythmic sounds of steel drums, striking tropical décor, and a menu inspired by bold island flavor, creating an immersive and memorable experience rooted in a shared commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our community.

Guests will be inspired to dance the night away as Therapi Band blends timeless hits with infectious island energy. 

There will also be live and silent auctions featuring an exciting selection of items and experiences, including private chef dining at home, VIP Live Nation music experiences around Connecticut, Calypso dance lessons, a Portland, Maine getaway, Caribbean travel, New York City Football Club suite tickets, designer handbags from Dooney & Bourke, spa and winery experiences, and much more.

Individual tickets are $225 and a table of 10 is $2,250. The Gala is championed by Calypso Crown Presenting Sponsor Haynes Group and Apple Rehab, Aquarion Water Co., Bankwell Judi Health, Carmody Torrance Sandak Hennessey LLP, Connecticut Hospital Association, Heidell, Pittoni, Meritain Health, Murphy & Bach, LLP, Ion Bank, Jefferson Radiology, Integrated Anesthesia Associates, Robinson & Cole, LLP, TeamHealth, TD Bank, The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, The Resource Group, and the Valley Community Foundation. 

More sponsorship opportunities are available at www.griffinhealth.org/gala.

Proceeds will support exceptional cancer care by bringing advanced radiation therapy technology to the Lower Naugatuck Valley community, expanding access to leading-edge treatment and ensuring cancer patients receive the care they need close-to-home.

Tickets can be purchased at www.griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

Griffin Health slates 2025 gala at Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford

Take an unforgettable trip “Under the Sea” at the 2025 Griffin Health Gala Nov. 8 from 6-10:30 p.m. at Oakdale Theatre, 95 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford.

Featuring a magical ocean-inspired atmosphere, sumptuous dining accentuated by the exotic flavors of the sea, and the energetic sounds of DizzyFish & The Uptown Horns, this elegant evening invites guests to make waves while helping create lasting impact by supporting person-centered health care.

Guests will be floating across the dance floor to “The Best of the 70s,” an electric show by DizzyFish & The Uptown Horns that celebrates the timeless songs of The Beatles, Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, John Denver, Eagles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Rogers, and more. 

DizzyFish is led by singer and guitarist, Eric Herbst, a powerful live performer who has shared the stage with ZZ Top, Steve Miller, and George Thorogood, and punctuated by world-class backup singers, Angela Clemmons, Sharon Jerry-Collins and Emily Bindiger. The Uptown Horns are a legendary New York City horn section, that toured with the Rolling Stones and played on hit records like James Brown's “Living in America.”

There will also be live and silent auctions for guests to bid on exciting items, fabulous experiences, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including seaside getaways and experiences in Rhode Island and Maine, NY Yankee tickets, designer handbags such as Dooney & Bourke, and spa and winery experiences.

Black tie dress is suggested, and ocean-inspired wear is encouraged. 

Individual tickets are $225 and a table of 10 is $2,250. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Haynes Group is the event’s Diamond Reef Presenting Sponsor.

Proceeds will support Griffin Health’s mission to provide critical connections between patients and social services, coordinate outpatient care with compassionate outreach and expert navigation, and empower individuals with disease management education and support.

Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala. For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health. 

TEAM to celebrate 60 years with Barbecue Birthday Bash at Quarry Walk in Oxford

Join us for a night of fun, celebrating 60 years of TEAM Inc.! We are having a Barbecue Birthday Bash to celebrate this milestone.

The evening will include:

-Full spread of delicious barbecue
-Cash bar including wine from Jones Family Farms, beer, and cocktails
-Musical entertainers including: Sister Funk trio, Joe Zullo, and The Elwoods
-Magician Chris Lengyel

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY AND FEED OUR NEIGHBORS! 

TEAM's Project MANNA (Mobilizing Action for the Nutritional Needs of All) aims to eliminate food insecurity by supplying our partner pantries with fresh, healthy foods to stock their shelves. 100% of proceeds support our bulk purchasing of these nutritious items - and our partnership with Bozzuto's helps us save 25-30% off retail prices. Thank you for supporting TEAM & our initiatives to better our community.

Quarry Walk is at 300 Oxford Road, Oxford.

Sponsored by:
HAYNES
NEWTOWN SAVINGS BANK 

Shared from a Facebook event page.

Annual Griffin Health Gala slated Oct. 25 at Aria in Prospect

Celebrate the swagger and style of the sensational crooners of the 1950s at The 2024 Griffin Health Gala Oct. 25 at Aria in Prospect.

Starring the one-and-only Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, this brash bash promises style that’s sharp, music that’s hot and an atmosphere “That’s Amore!” 

Valentinetti is the unforgettable Golden Buzzer sensation and finalist on America’s Got Talent. An Italian-American crooner with a voice that melts hearts and resurrects the swagger of Sinatra, Martin, and Bennett, Valentinetti has got the pipes, the born-and-bred New York personality, and the pizzazz to make sure “Everybody Loves Somebody.”

Black tie dress is suggested. Individual tickets are $225 and a table of 10 is $2,250. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds will support Griffin Health’s mission to provide critical connections between patients and social services, coordinate outpatient care with compassionate outreach and expert navigation, and empower individuals with disease management education and support.

Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

This is shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

Sponsorship deadline tomorrow for Seymour Pink 'Night to Remember' event

 

Greater Valley Chamber to host 26th annual Golf Classic in Orange

The event runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Racebook Country Club, 246 Derby Ave., Orange.

 

Golfer Registration now open.

Sponsorship Opportunities Also Available.

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to honor alumni, community members

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School will honor seven school alumni and community members for their service to the school and community at its annual Alumni Recognition Dinner and Auction event.

John Saccu, Andrea Hyde, Rev. Christopher M. Tiano, Arthur T. and Patsy A. Gerckens, Rebecca Keane, and Paugassett Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 of Derby will receive awards at the Recognition Dinner and Auction April 9 from 5:30-10 p.m. at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

John Saccu and Andrea Hyde will receive the Guardian Angel Award which is given to individuals who have made an impact through service in their community, or for other humanitarian efforts that reflect the mission of St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Rev. Tiano and Arthur and Patsy Gerckens will receive the Spirit of St. Mary-St. Michael School Award, which is given to alumni who have made a significant positive impact in their field or profession, in the community in which they reside.

Rebecca Keane and Paugassett Fire Department will receive the Christian Compassion Award, which is given to individuals or groups who have served the community and school in countless ways, embodying the spirit of generosity, kindness, and goodwill.

Tickets are $50 per person with tables of 10 available for $450. The event will feature a cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner, award ceremony, live music, dancing, raffles, and a live auction for many unique items. 

Tickets can be purchased at www.stmarystmichael.org.

Event sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.stmarystmchael.org, as well as space in the event program book for advertisements, congratulatory, and in memoriam messages. 

Contact Principal Grace Torres at gtorres@stmarystmichael.org or 203-735-6471 for reservations and sponsorship information.

Proceeds will benefit current educational initiatives and enrichment programs for the school. 

For more information about St. Mary-St. Michael School, visit www.stmaryst-michael.org.

This is a press release from the school.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to mark 12th year of 5K Walk/Run with virtual event

 

DERBY - The Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital will celebrate its 12th year with a virtual event that starts on Sept. 26.

Participants in the virtual walk are encouraged to register for the event, invite family and friends to sign up, and collect donations. 

Registrants can pick up an official event T-shirt at The Center for Cancer Care between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2, and then wear the shirt on a 5K walk or run while following social distancing recommendations. 

Participants will be able to submit photos of their walk or run to be published on the 5K Facebook page.

Registration is $35. All proceeds are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized cancer care and to help ease the financial burden of Griffin’s cancer patients face as they undergo treatment.

Sponsorship opportunities include signage on the event website and logos on the event T-shirts.

The 5K draws walkers and runners from all over the Lower Naugatuck Valley, including participants from Derby, Ansonia, Shelton, Seymour, Oxford, Naugatuck, and all over the state. 

The 5K Walk/Run was started by the caregivers of the Cancer Center as a way to raise funds to purchase wigs for patients. The first Walk/Run exceeded expectations drawing over 200 participants and raising more than $25,000, providing opportunity for additional financial support for patients as they undergo cancer treatment. 

The 5K has drawn thousands of participants over the years and raised more than $500,000 to help support local cancer survivors in its 11-year history.

Participants can also purchase a commemorative sign for $100 to honor or memorialize a loved one that will be displayed at the Center for Cancer Care through Oct. 3.

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k. 

For more information, contact Laura Howell at lhowell@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to honor alums, friends at gala

DERBY – St. Mary-St. Michael Elementary School will honor 10 school alumni and friends for their service to the school and their community at its upcoming “Light, Camera, Auction” Gala.

Thomas and Diane Baklik, Raymond and Lori Veillette, Glenn Gaetano, Charlie and Carmen DiCenso, Walter and Janis Yakimovich, and Christine DeCrisanti will receive awards at the Gala March 21 from 6-11 p.m. at Great River Golf Club in Milford.

The Bakliks and the Veillettes will receive the Guardian Angel Award which is given to individuals who have made an impact through service in their community, or for other humanitarian efforts that reflect the mission of St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Gaetano and the DiCensos will receive the Spirit of St. Mary-St. Michael School Award, which is given to alumni who have made a significant positive impact in their field or profession in the community in which they reside.

DeCrisanti and the Yakimovichs will receive the Christian Compassion Award, which is given to individuals or groups who have served the community and school in countless ways, embodying the spirit of generosity, kindness, and goodwill.

Tickets are $80 per person with tables of 12 available for $850. 

The event will feature a cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner, a live and silent auction for many unique items, live music by Acoustic Brew, and dancing.

Event sponsorship opportunities are available as well as space in the event program book for advertisements, congratulatory, and in memoriam messages. 

Contact Principal Grace Torres at gtorres@stmarystmichael.org or 203-735-6471 for reservations and sponsorship information.

Proceeds from the Gala will benefit current educational initiatives and enrichment programs for the school. 

For more information about St. Mary-St. Michael School, visit stmarystmichael.org.

This is a press release from the school.

Griffin Health to present star-studded gala at Aria in Prospect

DERBY - The 2019 Griffin Health Gala Oct. 11 will be a star-studded event as top celebrity impersonators from Las Vegas bring glitz and glam to Aria in Prospect.

The event will run from 6:30-11:30 p.m.

Master Impersonators, The Edwards Twins, will present An Evening with the Stars, a rollicking live performance of musical hits from legendary musical superstars. 

The Edwards Twins have performed all over the world and received rave reviews from national media, including the NBC Today show, USA Today and The Boston Globe.

Guests will also be treated to exquisite dining to match Aria’s delightfully manicured and sculpted gardens, and breathtaking scenic views of autumn in Connecticut.

The evening closes out with dancing to the invigorating and eclectic sounds of La Blanc Entertainment. 

There will also be a silent auction for guests to bid on exciting items, fabulous experiences, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

Tickets start at $195 per person. Black tie is suggested.

Proceeds from the Gala will help develop and sustain essential programs and services that address the wide-ranging health care needs of the communities Griffin serves ensuring access to innovative, high-quality care in a healing, person-centered environment.

The Friend A. Russ Fund will be honored with the 2019 Presidents Award at the Gala.

Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7355, or gala@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.