Interval House’s “Step Up & Stay In” virtual gala was so successful, the online event generated more financial support than the nonprofit expected. By the time the 40-minute livestream gala concluded Saturday, Interval House had raised more than $102,000, making it one of the agency’s most successful fundraising events ever.
“We are all just so grateful for the outstanding support from our sponsors and donors as a whole,” said Mary-Jane Foster, Interval House’s CEO and President. “Everyone really did step up for Interval House Saturday night and I can’t thank our friends enough.”
Every year the formal event attracts hundreds of the State’s “Who’s Who” of business leaders, politicians, television personalities and ardent supporters of the cause against domestic violence. The gala is Interval House’s largest fundraiser. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Interval House canceled its annual affair at the Society Room and instead choreographed the online event. “Step Up & Stay In” was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube and emulated a telethon. Along with Foster, there were live appearances by Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Vice President of Communications/Marketing Brad Drazen, and former Interval House client and survivor Lilian Ijomah. Video messages were also streamed from Honorary Chair Thea Montanez, State Rep. William A. Petit Jr., Bank of American Market President Joseph Gianni, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. Kelly English, a Connecticut-based singer/songwriter, also performed live.
The online gala was sponsored by: Fox 61, Hartford Steam Boiler, Bank of America, The Petit Family Foundation, Webster Bank, Judith & Brewster Perkins, Cindy & Michael Klein, Ed & Carol Wrobel, Halloran & Sage, People’s United Bank, Accounting Resources, Inc., Highland Park Market, Kelser Corporation, Main Street Office Center LLC, Mary-Jane Foster, Nassau Re, Shari Cantor, Adam & Amanda Delaura, Apex Refrigeration, Cooling and Heating, LLC, Bryan & Heather Flannery, K. Prasad Menon, Mosaic, Sharon Alleman, CFP®, Susy Hurlbert, Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors®, TRUMPF, Candlelight Writing Workshops, Chuck Coursey, George Jepsen & Diana Sousa, John & Maryellen Turgeon, New England Capital, Nilda Fernandez, Remy Schwartz, Sylvia de Haas-Phillips, and Tammie Fischer. A special thanks to Slalom and Labyrinth Brewing Company for supporting the May 9 live stream program.
About Interval House: Founded in 1977, Interval House is the largest agency in the state of Connecticut dedicated to preventing and breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Through free and confidential services for victims in 24 towns and cities both East and West of the Connecticut River, Interval House has made a positive difference in the lives of more than 250,000 women and children who have experienced psychological and physical abuse at the hand of a domestic or intimate partner. 24-Hour Hotline: (888) 774-2900. Donations accepted: www.intervalhousect.org/donate. All other calls: (860) 246-9149. Website: intervalhousect.org.
###