Haloes of light spilled from beneath a tent large enough to hold as many as 300 guests attending REACHtoberfest at Castle Hill Farm, Saturday night, October 6.

Under the massive canvas were rows of tables filled with silent auction items and dozens of beer and wine vendors offering samples of craft beers, seasonal brews, cabernets, pinot grigios, and more.

Lindsey Carley greeted guests attending the gala event. “It’s a time to say thank you to the people who have supported us all year,” she said.

Across the way was her husband and REACH founder, Adam Carley, who was tuning up with a band that played throughout the night.

Glancing at the many people filling the auction space, he said, “We do so much for the community, and the outpouring of support warms my heart. I love the support the community shows us.”

All funds raised go to REACH programs for children. “Programs are no cost for the kids, so events like this make a difference,” Mr Carley said.

Below the stage with Mr Carley’s band was a Two Roads Brewery table where Caitlin Guelakis and her husband, Steve Anderson, served frosty samples.

Guests included Rebekah Harriman-Stites, who stopped to talk with craft-beer enthusiasts Ian McEvoy, Sean Wiener, and Brian Kuruc. Standing in a small group nearby was another cluster of friends out to support REACH: Brian and Amy Pare, Lori Griffin, and Todd and Heather Tucker.

Offering guests samples of reds and whites from Newtown’s Yankee Wine & Spirit was Jack Osei. Cynthia Iaropoli stopped at his table for a taste.

Marie Christolini, TJ Macri, and Kristin Brassard spoke briefly with Kevin Randall, serving up samples of Lagunitas.

Guests lucky enough to step outside the tents found the Big Green Truck traveling pizza truck. There on the lawn, an awning over wooden tables brushed with flour served as counter space for rolling out dough, sprinkling the pie with sauce and cheese, then setting it is the oven.

As residents got their fresh fired pizza and made bids on the many auction items, Ms Carley borrowed the band’s microphone.

“Tonight is a way to say thank you for giving these programs to the kids,” she said. With assistance from the schools, she said, “We’re reaching the children who need it most.”

Doing something she had forgotten to do at last year’s celebration, she raised her phone to take a picture of those gathered, glasses raised. She asked for “a cheers” and snapped a picture.

REACH Newtown is a 501(c)3 organization based in Newtown with a mission to “connect kids and build relationships that change lives,” according to reachnewtown.org. REACH serves more than 150 children in the Newtown and Greater Danbury area. The origins of REACH stretch back to the fall of 2010, when Adam Carley and a small group of educators set out to support at-risk children at an individual level with a network that connects home, school, and community.

All funds raised go directly towards REACH Newtown’s Youth Programs. This includes a mentorship program at the high school, a tutoring academy, outdoor expeditions, and a six-week summer camp. To learn more about these programs and more, visit the website.