Avon, CT - Everyone loves the fall season in New England and Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and housewares to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, is making the season extra special by hosting its first fall fundraising event since the pandemic started in 2019.  Specifically, the “Fall in Love” benefit will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the picturesque Farmington Gardens banquet hall, located at 999 Farmington Avenue in Farmington, Conn.  All proceeds will benefit the organization that is dedicated to assisting local residents with vital, basic needs.

“We are so excited to have our big fall fundraising event finally back on track this year,” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “This is not going to be your typical gala as we are only requiring business casual dress code and are planning a variety of fun activities and entertainment to appeal to everyone who wants to support their neighbors in need.”

Gray notes that the organization is actively seeking sponsors to help reach its $36,000 fundraising goal. Custom packages are available to meet the unique marketing needs of each business, organization or individual by calling 860-676-2323 or contacting [email protected].

Current sponsors include American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Garrity Asphalt Reclaimers, Carmon Funeral Homes, and M&T Bank.

Gifts of Love clients include an overlooked population who are above the federal poverty level and, therefore, not eligible for supplemental programs. In 2022, the non-profit served nearly 1,400 household members throughout Greater Hartford, and stretched as far northeast as Vernon, as far south as Wallingford, and as far west as Waterbury.

Additionally in 2022, the organization:

 - Provided over 40 boxes of food each month to seniors 62 and over through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

 - Served 75 to 100 people through their mobile food distribution sites every other Tuesday.

 - Provided 242 clients and their families with all the fixings to prepare a Thanksgiving meal.

 - Filled over 325 backpacks each week with meals, snacks, and drinks for students throughout the Greater Hartford area and Torrington who receive free or reduced-cost lunches to help feed them and their families through the weekend.

 - Administered the CT Operation Fuel program for residents of the Farmington Valley, providing emergency assistance of up to $1,000 to residents struggling to pay their energy and utility bills.

 - Opened its annual Holiday Shoppe in December, allowing 247 client families to receive gift cards and shop for new toys and other gifts.

Attendees of the “Fall in Love” gala will enjoy music provided by a professional DJ, dancing,  photo booth, trivia, live auction, wine pull and specialty cocktails.

Individual tickets are $125 and tables of 10 cost $1,250.  Both can be purchased in advance at https://giftsoflovect.org/benefitforgiftsoflove/.

“All 300 seats at our highly anticipated fall event are expected to sell out!” adds Gray. “Now more than ever, we rely upon the generosity and compassion of Connecticut residents to help us reach our fundraising goal.”

About Gifts of Love

For more than 30 years, Gifts of Love helps meet the basic needs of individuals and families in the Greater Hartford area experiencing short-term financial crises so they can return to self-sufficiency and regain independence. The non-profit provides food, clothing and household necessities, as well as short-term programs and education.  Their client list has increased 94% over last year, and they’ve distributed over 63 tons of food so far in 2023.  Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future.  For more information visit https://giftsoflovect.org/.