Near & Far Aid Spring Gala Fundraiser Returns To Mitchell’s

April 30, 2024 J.C. Martin

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

For the 29th year, Near & Far Aid has held their much loved Spring Gala thanks in part to the very generous support of the MItchell family and the various corporate and private contributors, sponsor and donors who help this organization which together has resulted in granting over $1,000,000.00 local Fairfield County agencies. Near & Far Aid funds programs that provide hands on support for struggling households. The impact of these programs lays a strong foundation for the next generation.

This year’s theme was Formula For Aid, and the entire event revolved around race car imaging and decor.

In keeping with the Formula For Aid race car theme, a variety of Ferraris, both now and vintage were on display greeting arriving guests.

The organization’s mission to “target poverty and change lives” is made possible in part from funds raised from this exceptional event. Although the event has passed donations are always greatly appreciated.

To learn more visit: Near & Far Aid, and to make a donation visit: Donate to Near & Far Aid.

Adding to the atmosphere of Forumula racing, Land Rover Of Fairfield provided this Jaguar Formula E race car. Formula E cars look very similar to the legendary Formula 1 racing series which has been around for decades. The key difference: The are EV’s, elctric powered race cars which provide exceptional acceleration with speeds up to 200 MPH from cars with the equivalent of 400 horsepower, and due to the same Regenerative braking on current EVs they can create as much as 50% of their own battery power, charging as they brake.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Craft cocktails, beer and wine accompanied a delectable selection of Hors D’Oeuvres from Selden Catering as guests gathered and mingled at the bars and gaming tables while the violinist from Fiddler’s Dream strolled through the venue providing the perfect musical backdrop.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The waving of the checkered flag signaled guests to come to the runway and await the start of the live auction with MC/Auctioneer David Price and Auctioneer Elyse Luray who presented an amazing array of generously donated items.

The live auction is always an exciting component to the event and guests are excited to place a winning bid on one of the fabulous items generously provided by sponsors and contributors.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

They included “Shoes For A Year” where the winner can go to Mitchell’s each month and select a pair of luxury designer shoes from a selection of designer brands, a prize valued at nearly $10,000. Dream vacations like the Big Sky experience, the VIP Italian Getaway and a VIP wine experience at Lokoya Estate in Napa Valley. Past live auctions have raised as much as $300k and more. When several bidders were close in their generous bids the auctioneers awarded duplicate wins, doubling the funds raised and making the second highest bidder quite happy.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Guests were able to see just how their generosity helps this in need with the presentation video with clients of Near & Far Aid telling their stories.

After their signature Fashion Show (see WesportLocalPress on Thursday May 2nd) where professional models and area volunteers showed the audience some of the finest in this season’s fashions, guests were served more delicious foods including tempting dessert offerings. The crowd then shifted to the bars and the dance floor, where Fiddler’s Dream got the party off with a mix of live music and a high energy D.J. produced dance mix.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.