Thanks a Million Farewell to Gloria

For those who weren’t able to attend Thursday night, the farewell party for Gloria was, well, glorious.  Over 130 people came to the event, which featured music by the Hot Cat Jazz Band, delicious food from several restaurants and partner programs, and several speakers who gave moving personal reflections about Gloria and Foodshare. Scot Haney and Brad Davis were the emcees, and among the speakers was Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman (wearing conspicuous pink shoes that prompted some joking with Scot Haney). Board chair Leslie Soler presented Gloria with two gifts: a donation from the board to the campaign in Gloria’s name and a custom-carved walking stick from Leo Hein, of the Connecticut Woodcarvers Group. Leslie also announced the state of the campaign, which now stands at more than $5.2 million, or 95% of the goal. More than $130,000 of that was given in Gloria’s honor.

One item that was inadvertently overlooked in the script was an acknowledgement of The Hartford’s extraordinary support of Foodshare over the years, which includes a total of $1.7 million and almost 4,000 employees participating it the Foodshare Walk Against Hunger. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the campaign and who came to the party, as well as to those who planned and carried out the event, particularly our events coordinator Jordan Nyberg, who outdid herself with this party. 

More photos here.