The Star Gala: A Night of Giving at the Amistad Center


It was my honor to help coordinate an amazing night celebrating Art and Philanthropy at the Amistad Center for Art & Culture at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford. The theme of the event was Afrocosmologies, corresponding with the Center’s ongoing exhibit of the same name.

Photo courtesy: John Groo


Guests entered the lobby, dressed in their black-tie finest, and were greeted by event co-chairs Tamara and Dennis Williams along with other members of the organizing committee. From there, they were offered guided tours of the Afrocosmologies: American Reflections exhibit, many of which were led by the Curator at Large, Wm. Frank Mitchell.

Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo


After cocktail hour guests and dignitaries were escorted to Avery Court, where they were entertained by the Arti Dixson Trio prior to the formal festivities getting underway.


Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo


Guests were welcomed by Gala co-chairs Tamara and Dennis Williams.


Photo courtesy: John Groo


Opening remarks were presented by Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden, who was among the many local and state officials to lend their support to this important evening.


Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo


As beautiful as the museum is, there is always room for a few special touches from Plan-it Vicki, along with the great floral arrangements of Pentimento Design.


Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo


The President’s Award was presented to Eversource’s President of Corporate Citizenship, Rodney Powell.


Photo courtesy: John Groo


The great Olivia White was honored for coming out of retirement to help oversee the Gala.


Photo courtesy: John Groo


The most exciting part of the evening was the live auction, hosted by ESPN’s Karl Ravech, who is always comfortable behind a microphone.


Photo courtesy: John Groo



Attendees were encouraged to “Text-to-Give”, which was a big hit!

Photo courtesy: John Groo
Photo courtesy: John Groo

In the end, it was a tremendously successful evening of giving and one that was made possible with the help of a great group of individuals and corporate sponsors.


Easy! Done Enjoy!

Plan-it Vicki is the brainchild of Vicki Ross, an experienced Event Planner located in Avon, a suburb of Hartford, Connecticut. Vicki has created wonderful celebrations all over Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. She and her staff provide services for small, intimate dinner parties as well as weddings, and bar and bat mitzvahs.

For help with your next event contact Plan-it Vicki 

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