19th Annual West Hartford Mayor's Charity Ball Focuses on Tradition of Giving

The 19th annual West Hartford Mayor's Charity Ball will be held May 12, 2018 at West Hartford Town Hall. The gala will benefit two local charities, Playhouse on Park and The Town That Cares. Proceeds from last year's event covered important operating expenses for Playhouse youth programming, and helped The Town That Cares meet a significant uptick in requests for the Food Pantry.

"The Mayor's Charity Ball is a special and memorable event that supports two of West Hartford's most impactful charities," said Mayor Shari Cantor. "West Hartford's tradition of giving has kept these charities effective and thriving, and reflects the community's caring for each other, making West Hartford a wonderful place to live, work, and play for everyone. The Town that Cares responds to our basic belief that no one should go hungry. Playhouse on Park, a professional theater, adds a tremendous vitality to our community.

These nonprofits add character to our town, and the Mayor's Charity Ball is able to support them with funds because of the community's generosity and engagement that is a part of our fabric of life."

Playhouse on Park, located in the vibrant West Hartford Park Road community, offers an array of performances through its Mainstage Series and Young Audience Series that create an unexpected and satisfying theater experience at an affordable price. "Playhouse on Park's diversity in programming - from recognized titles to emerging works - has always been one of our strengths," said Tracy Flater, Executive Director. The Playhouse has garnered critical acclaim from The New York Times, The Hartford Courant, and the Connecticut Critics Circle.

Its ninth season recently featured the classic Steel Magnolias, and this summer, it will present an exciting production of In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame. Additional programming this year includes two newer pieces - Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage (Sweat) and The Revisionist by Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network) in the Main Stage Series, along with the New England Premiere of Polka Dots - The Cool Kids Musical. In the past year, the Town That Cares has seen a significant jump in new families registering for the Food Pantry.

"In one fiscal year, the number of bags distributed increased 20% -- from 5,000 to 6,000 bags, and with budget cuts affecting other services, more families are feeling the pinch," said Suzanne Oslander, the Town's Community Partnerships Manager. The Town That Cares has increased programming to fill the gap.

"Last year, 651 students participated in the Back To School Backpack program," she said. "This fall, we provided backpacks and gift cards for school supplies to 740 students. The need just keeps rising."

The leadership of both organizations agree that their working relationship as evolved and strengthened over the past few years.

"We really enjoy collaborating with the board members and each other, because everyone is focused on the end goal - and that's helping the community," said Tracy Flater.

The event has evolved over the years, but has always maintained its commitment to helping the community. Former Mayor Rob Bouvier established the inaugural Mayor's Charity Ball in 2000. The Ball continued to thrive during Jonathan Harris's administration. Under Scott Slifka, the event was moved to the lawn of West Hartford Town Hall in 2011. This year, Mayor Cantor is pleased to preside over the Ball for her second year.

Tickets are now on sale, and the entire community is invited to attend.

To purchase tickets, or for more information on the Mayor's Charity Ball and the organizations it supports, visit www.themayorscharityball.org.

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