“One of the Best to Ever Do It” Casual-lƏ Raises $17,500 to Help Children at The Village
Fundraiser supports vital mental health services for youth in Connecticut
Hartford, Conn. Inspired by the belief that healing begins with connection, a group of local changemakers—led by local film producer, director and content creator Danny LeGare—has raised $17,500 to support youth at The Village for Families & Children through a powerful new fundraiser known as Casual-lə.
Held in September, the inaugural Casual-lə was casual gala-style experience designed to foster community, build professional skills and raise awareness and funds for charitable causes. The resulting donation from Casual-lə to The Village is believed to be the largest amount ever raised for The Village by a first-time, third-party fundraiser in the organization’s 200-year history.
“Danny LeGare and the entire Casual-lə team truly embody the mission of The Village and are a shining example of the impact that we can make when we join together for a common cause,” said Village President & CEO Hector Glynn. “The amount that Casual-lə raised at their first-ever event is an inspiration and shows the true power of community and connection. When it comes to bringing people together to make a difference, they’re one of the best to ever do it.”
The event was a collaborative effort among Burden Media, Trash Panda Pictures, Big Dawg Home Improvements, Sips and Soirées, The Miale Team at Keller Williams Legacy Partners and event sponsors and guests.
The funds will support a transformative project at The Village’s historic 1680 Albany Avenue campus, known as the Centennial Campus Transformation Campaign, to enhance century-old buildings that serve as temporary homes for children who are receiving mental health treatment and recovering from trauma while preparing to return to their community or enter foster care. The project also includes the creation of new playscapes and therapeutic recreation areas, which will help children heal through play—and simply have an opportunity to enjoy being kids.
“I grew up in a home with six adopted siblings, and later in life, I adopted my niece when she was just two years old. Those experiences shaped everything about who I am. They taught me that love is a choice, that family isn’t about blood — it’s about showing up — and that as a community, we share a responsibility to support the children who didn’t get to choose how their story began,” LeGare said. “Casual-lə was created for that reason — to raise funds and awareness for organizations that give children a chance to feel secure, supported and loved.”
LeGare added that he hopes Casual-lə becomes not just an event but a staple in the community that serves as a reminder that everyone deserves the chance to be loved, to feel safe and to thrive.
“Whatever I can do to help make that happen — I’m going to do it. This isn’t about charity; it’s about community. And that’s exactly what Casual-lə stands for,” LeGare said.
Attendees at Casual-lə who donated $1,000 or more to the cause will be honored with engraved bricks placed along the walkway into The Village’s renovated campus—a lasting symbol of how their generosity is paving the way to healing for generations to come. Donations to The Village’s Centennial Campus Transformation Campaign, in any amount, are still needed to reach the project’s $500,000 goal and ensure children have the safest and most nurturing environment possible to heal. To learn more or help, visit thevillage.org/1680.
The event welcomed over 100 attendees and featured dynamic presentations on authentic business development, impactful content creation, and community leadership. Promoted as “a Gala, but fun!” the event blended purpose and celebration to energize and inspire its guests.
Event sponsors included: (Executive) Allied Roofing & Sheet Metal Co.; USA Waste & Recycling; Connecticut Business Technology Group LLC; Connecticut RV Rentals; (Directors) IV Lounge; Joe The Plumber; Dads in Business; (Screenwriters) Hebron Dental; Hoisl Consulting, LCC; Flow Tech, Inc.; Greater Hartford Trade Scholarship Foundation; (Cameos) Be Love Yoga; CAM Marketing Group; Synergy Fitness; Renewed Hope Counseling Center; Kloter Farms; and Tri-State Restoration.
Contact:
Sarah Heath, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications,
The Village for Families & Children (c) 860-751-4179, sheath@thevillage.org
About The Village
The Village for Families & Children was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, The Village offers a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment, and support services for children, families, and adults in the Greater Hartford region. Learn more at thevillage.org.