The Valley United Way’s 4th Annual Great Gatsby Gala to benefit Valley Food Insecurity takes place this Saturday, January 20, at the Villa Bianca in Seymour, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The exciting and elegant event is based upon The Great Gatsby, the epic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel that follows a cast of characters living in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. Guests at the gala can dress in 1920s attire and there will be a costume contest for the best-dressed individuals.
A sumptuous dinner includes starters such as fried calamari, crab-stuffed mushrooms, pastry puffs with spinach, as well as main courses and side dishes including mouth-watering carving stations of salmon, beef, chicken and potatoes, pastas, and salads. A beautiful Venetian dessert table tops off the meal. Bottles of wine will be provided at each table and a cash bar will be open throughout the evening.
The Rob Zappulla 13-Piece Big Band will perform 20s-to-50s-era music as well as popular songs through the 50s. Zappulla was the featured vocalist for eight years in the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, led by the late Buddy Morrow.
In addition, there will be live and silent auctions, door prizes and valet parking. Some of the fantastic experiences being auctioned include:
- A Party Bus for up to ten people, visiting three local breweries, the Hops Company, then ending at Dew Drop Inn to enjoy a buffet of their famous wings;
- “WTNH/News 8 Behind-the-Scenes,” featuring a station tour, attending a live “Good Morning Connecticut” show, and lunch with The News Channel 8 Morning Team (Keith Kountz, Laura Hutchinson and Gil Simmons);
- A foursome for 18 holes of golf at the historic Course at Yale, including all greens fees and cart fees. Golf Digest ranks the course as the 3rd best in Connecticut;
- A one-week stay at a gorgeous private chalet on the coast of Maine, including a $500 airfare voucher
Professional dancer Kristen Prall, owner of the studio Art in Motion, will perform as well as provide dance instruction.
Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased online at valleyunitedway.org. For more information or to order tickets by phone, call 203 – 926-9478.
The Valley United Way is a leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. Their mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism and collaboration.
