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“Spring Fling” Cabaret fundraiser a hit
Smiles abounded at the Downtown
Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport on a delightful April
evening as the fourth annual “Spring Fling”
brought joy and laughter to a sell-out crowd of 250
through bountiful hospitality, convivial friendship and
the widely-acclaimed show “Nunset Boulevard.”
A reception attended by Council
supporters old and new began the April 7th
event. The pleasant weather invited early arrivals: by
the official start time of 5:30 p.m., “the joint was
jumpin’!” No problem! Bountiful hospitality
greeted theatre goers in the abundant appetizers
provided by The Council’s Board of Directors and
beverages provided by Jones Winery, White Hills Wine and
Spirits, and Bonnie and Jim McWain.
Master of Ceremonies Dr. Donald
Gibson warmed us with his humor and genuine joy as we
presented the 2011 “Faith and Community Award” to
the Nichols United Methodist Church in Trumbull. The
award recognizes individuals and/or congregations that
have demonstrated outstanding leadership in serving in
mission locally and globally. A fountain, symbolic of
the Living Water of Christ that assuages thirsts both
temporal and spiritual, was presented to Pastors Joseph
Piccirillo and Iwy Patel-Yatri by Council Board Chair
Carl Johnson and President and CEO, the Rev. Dr. Brian
R. Bodt.
The importance of The Council’s
ministries were also highlighted by the dramatic,
original antiphonal reading “I am NOT a statistic”
by staff members Dale Holder and Sean Campbell. All
of this, including the photos displayed in this article,
were captured by staff photographer Dan Braccio.
The evening concluded with Dan
Goggins “Nunset Boulevard” which had received
many positive reviews in area newspapers and runs
through April 17.
A first-time attendee commented: I haven’t
ever been here and can’t believe I haven’t. I love the
theatre but don’t like the hassle of NYC. This is
wonderful! Indeed it was. Compliments abounded as
we exceeded our fundraising goal.
Many are due thanks, not the least
our event committee: Co-Chairs Sandra Brown and Bonnie
McWain and members Don Gibson, Barbara Stinson, Robyn
Oliver-Hunter and staff member Patty Jensen. Carrie
Watson coordinated, with Robyn, the reception, and many
other volunteers lent able hands.
We also wish to thank our major
underwriters for making this event a success: Elizabeth
Pfriem, Bill and Renie McCutchen, Pedro and Ann Wasmer,
John and Heather Kreitler, Mark and Theresa Tillinger,
Ken and Lorraine Meinelt, Gilbert Mott, Peter Mott and
Janet Banks-Mott, and People’s United Bank through
Armando Goncalves and Virgilio Lopez.
Watch for it again in 2012!
Images from “Spring Fling”
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