Tough economy leads to 60% growth in meals served vs. last year – fundraising event more critical to providing food and shelter than ever before
The Open Door Shelter announced the date for its annual fundraising gala dinner, to take place at the Continental Manor in Norwalk on April 30th beginning at 6pm. The event includes a cocktail hour, open bar, dinner, live music by Otis and the Hurricanes and a significant silent auction, including a Baltic cruise donated by Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line valued at almost $20,000, Yankees and Mets tickets, signed memorabilia, valuable art (including a painting by Peter Max), and many fine dining and entertainment experiences.
“This is always an important event for us” said Carole Antonez, Executive Director of the shelter. “Unfortunately, a lot more people are in need of our help with food, shelter, and clothing. Many of these people had jobs and homes until the recent downturn caused them to lose both.”
Said Dave Cudiner, President of the organization “Our gala dinner is a wonderful evening that generates significant donations and raises awareness. Many people who attend become involved in the shelter because what we do is so important, and it’s amazing to be a part of it.”
Tickets, as well as donation forms for those wishing to donate money, goods, services, or items for the silent auction are available on their website: http://www.norwalkemergencyshelter.org/
ABOUT THE OPEN DOOR SHELTER
The Open Door Shelter, also known as the Norwalk Emergency Shelter is to provide safe, sanitary shelter to homeless men, women, and families; to assist shelter residents in searching for housing, jobs, counseling and treatment; and to foster residents' growth toward independence and responsibility.
The Norwalk Emergency Shelter is located at 4 Merritt Street in South Norwalk, Connecticut, where it has 95 beds. It also operates a number of “transitional housing units” in the area, and the Manna House of Hospitality. Through the Manna House soup kitchen and pantry over 40,000 meals per month are provided to those in need. The Shelter, soup kitchen and pantry are open seven days a week.
