EGH is filled with gratitude for the community response to our fundraiser on December 3 at Whitneyville Cultural Commons. The event was titled ‘Transforming Tomorrow: A Fundraiser for Hope and Peace’. During which we talked about our plans for the healing garden transforming a Winchester machine gun test firing range into a place of hope and peace for anyone impacted by any type of violence, from anywhere. A place for all to come and heal; to find hope and resiliency.
We talked about our programming, shared work with partner nonprofits, and engaged in conversations with members of our community interested in learning more about our mission.
Fundraising
- Over $7,000 was received in community contributions.
- Merch was wildly popular, especially the limited release hoodies.
- We received over 40 donations of items, services, gift cards, and more to help raise funds in our silent auction.
Special Guests
- Mayor Garrett
- Mariam Khan, Hamden Board of Ed
- Abdul Osmanu, Council person
- Trel Morrison, Daniel’s Company Youth Leadership
- Swords to Plowshares Northeast
- 🐾Trauma Therapy Dog: Southern Connecticut State University Police Officer Jules and handler Sgt Torres
- 🐾Healing Dog: Yale Police Officer Heidi with handler Officer Simons
Event Support
- Thank you Hamden Youth Services for providing a team of workers
- Three fantastic volunteer photographers: Andee Bossoli, Sonjae Kim, and Clyde Thomas
- Amazing volunteers supporting merch, workshops, the bar and everything needed to run a smooth polished event
- Great food from Orchid Hospitality
- Beautiful music from Isabella Mendes & her special guests
Thank you to WTNH for live coverage of our event and helping to share our mission with the community! Watch their story here:
Event Gallery
Photos by Sonjae Kim:
Photos by Andee Bossoli:
Photos by Clyde Thomas: Coming soon