source: http://articles.courant.com/2013-05-22/community/hcrs-75301hc-new-britain-20130520_1_petit-family-foundation-oldest-domestic-violence-program-anniversary

Prudence Crandall Center Raises Over $60,000 At 40th Anniversary Gala

 

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May 22, 2013|Megan Bernardini, communications and special events manager, Prudence Crandall Center, Inc., New Britain

 

Prudence Crandall Center Raises $60,000 with 40th Anniversary Gala Presented by the Petit Family Foundation.

 

Prudence Crandall Center (PCC) is pleased to announce that the 40th Anniversary Gala and Auction, held Friday, May 3, at the Aqua Turf Club, successfully raised over $60,000.00 to directly support the vital programs and services offered by PCC to victims of domestic violence. The event was presented by the Petit Family Foundation and sponsored in part by Stanley Black and Decker and the American Savings Foundation. Claudia Barbieri, president of the Prudence Crandall Center Board of Directors served as event chair and Dr. William A. Petit Jr., Christine Petit, Johanna Petit Chapman, and the late Dennis Chapman served as honorary chairs.

 

Senator Richard Blumenthal attended to honor PCC with a proclamation in recognition of the organization's 40th Anniversary, as well as to thank the staff and dedicated supporters of the cause. Gina Barreca, women's humorist, Hartford Courant columnist, author, and professor of feminist theory at the University of Connecticut, entertained guests with her humor and relatable stories as the evenings honored speaker and local television personality and host of FOX CT's Morning News, Erika Arias did a fantastic job as the evening's host.

 

"The Gala's success comes from our community members who donated money, items, or time, all with the common goal of assisting victims and their families," said the Chair of the event and Prudence Crandall Center Board President, Claudia Barbieri. "We are grateful for the donations, but also for the opportunity to raise awareness of the domestic violence issue on a very public level. It is unfortunate that places like the Prudence Crandall Center have to exist, but we are thankful that our community supports us."

 

Gala attendees also enjoyed gourmet food, a variety of silent and live auction items and the music of 10-piece show band, Head Over Heels, all in support of a wonderful cause.

 

Prudence Crandall Center is the oldest domestic violence program in the state and the only one serving Bristol, Berlin, Burlington, Kensington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, and Terryville. Last year alone, over 8,000 lives were touched by their work. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs, court advocacy, counseling, and community education. For additional information about Prudence Crandall Center, visit http://www.prudencecrandall.org . To access the 24-hour hotline, call 860-225-6357 or toll-free 888-774-2900. All services are free and confidential.