Sunshine, Wonderful Wines, And Fine Food At Annual Fundraiser

By Nancy K. Crevier

After a stormy Saturday postponed the Mozart, Merlot and Mums fundraiser for Kevin’s Community Center, hosts Shane and George Miller were pleased to see sunny skies and a good turnout, Sunday, September 9, at their 50 Main Street home. The Millers have opened their property and gardens to the event for the past five years.

Michael Ronan, co-chairman of the annual event along with Cindy Wahlberg, said that the wine tasting and silent auction event, in its fifth year, raises between $30,000 and $40,000 to support the Newtown free clinic founded by Dr Z. Michael Taweh and his wife Jocelyn ten years ago, following the death of their 3-year-old son, Kevin.

Mr Ronan, who works for Jericho Partnership, serving the poor and needy of Danbury, said that he has been a board member at Kevin’s Community Center since its inception. He was one of many brought together by Father Towsley of St Rose Catholic Church at that time, he said, to determine if there was a need for a free adult clinic in Newtown. With the Tawehs laying the foundation for the center, currently housed at 153 South Main Street, and providing professional care and connections to other health providers, the center has been able to provide free care for thousands of community residents this past decade, otherwise unable to afford health care.

Mozart, Merlot and Mums event sponsors Debbie and Phil Clark of Claris Construction were among the many supporters present on Sunday, sampling dozens of the wines and vodkas (as well as a complimentary glass of sparkling wine) supplied by Jill Mike and Kerler of Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor and creative appetizers from Stone River Grille. Listening to jazz music provided by the Gomez & Sadlon duo, the afternoon of wine tasting also included a chance for guests to bid on numerous silent auction items donated by local and area businesses, and to enjoy a tour of the Millers’ gardens. Supporting sponsors for the 2012 Mozart, Merlot and Mums fundraiser were Newtown Savings Bank, Super Jewelers of Brookfield, and Union Savings Bank.

Masters of ceremonies Dr Susan Belanger and Dr Evan Pitkoff introduced Dr Taweh to an attentive crowd midway through the three-hour event. He offered thanks to all present and to all who have supported Kevin’s Community Center since its beginning. Dr Taweh stressed the importance of the care provided to patients at the clinic. In the past decade, he said, professionals from the area have donated more than $3 million in medical services. He thanked all for helping to positively impact “the lives of those we serve.”

Kevin’s Community Center patient Debra Kaza shared her story, as well, saying that she represented those who are beneficiaries of the center.

“We’re really happy to see so many people here today, supporting us,” said Dr Taweh, as he moved among the crowd, greeting friends and family. “It means a lot to us.”

For more photos of the event, see the slideshow at www.newtownbee.com.