Harc Annual Auction and Gala Going Virtual in November
Event program to celebrate Hartford and honor Yard Goats
Harc’s 32nd annual auction and gala will be presented in a free live stream on November 7, 2020, at 7 pm on the organization’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Registration for the event is free, but donations are accepted. The flagship event, normally attracting over 300 people to a posh ballroom for an evening of dining and dancing, cannot be hosted in the traditional way due to COVID-19 concerns. The live-streamed program will be broadcast from Dunkin Donuts Stadium, home of the Hartford Yard Goats. Radio and television personality, Renee DiNino, will be the evening’s emcee.
The silent auction will be conducted through an online format and features a diverse array of luxury items that viewers can bid on throughout the program. Early bidding is set to begin on October 24th. Appeals for donations will also be a feature of the program, as this is Harc’s largest fundraiser of the year.
“This year we’re focusing on an array of auction packages including a ‘crowdfunding’ way of raising money to purchase much-needed appliances directly for our residences,” said Maureen Madden, Vice President of Development and Marketing. “We are so grateful to our supporters who donated unique packages and items to our auction as well. We can’t wait to showcase our featured luxury packages and introduce some of our participants on the night of the event.”
The 2020 program celebrates our capital city and will include a special recognition of the Hartford Yard Goats who are recipients of Harc’s Sparking Possibilities Award. The ball club is being honored for their longtime support of the organization through hosting events, offering free tickets to games for our participants, and hiring several of our participants to work at the stadium during home games.
“The Yard Goats are proud to partner with Harc to ensure children and adults with intellectual disabilities continue to receive the amazing opportunities and life-changing programs they deserve. Dunkin’ Donuts Park is everyone’s ballpark, and we love to see Harc clients attending games, working on our staff, and hosting Harc Walk N’ Roll,” said Tim Restall, President of the Hartford Yard Goats.
Those interested in the event are urged to visit www.HarcGala2020.org to register for the event and learn more about the silent auction items and other ways to support Harc during these challenging times.
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About Harc: Harc was founded in 1951 by visionary parents of children with intellectual disabilities who knew that their children had worth and immense possibilities. They became fierce advocates fighting against exclusion, isolation, discrimination, lack of opportunity, unemployment, and low expectations, and their grassroots efforts led to partnerships with generous individuals and corporations to raise funds and create life-changing programs. Today, Harc’s services begin at birth and continue throughout the lifespan, with a range of supportive, enrichment, employment, and residential services throughout Greater Hartford for participants and their families. For more information, visit www.harc-ct.org.