Kevin’s Community Center Hosts Oscar-Themed Gala

Kevin’s Community Center, Newtown’s free public health clinic for uninsured and underinsured adults, held its second annual gala October 7 at the Amber Room in Danbury. The affair was presented with an Academy Award theme, complete with red carpet, flash-popping paparazzi at the velvet rope, and a world premier video from an award-winning film maker.

Despite heavy rains that swept in prior to the event, guests lined up under a protective tent at the popular Danbury banquet facility to have their pictures snapped in front of a six-foot-tall Oscar by photographer Jeremy Rodorigo. Attendees were then provided an opportunity to purchase copies of the shots with proceeds going toward a capital building fund.

The evening featured both a silent auction with a variety of gift baskets and other items, and a live auction conducted by Dr Richard Coopersmith and Robert Tendler, which included a number of large-ticket prizes, all with movie-themed titles. Dr Coopersmith provided musical entertainment as well, bringing along his infamous doo-wop act, The Retrotones featuring Dr Don Tieg, Dr Paul Ruggiero, and Lisa Conciatore.

Phyllis Cortese, KCC’s marketing and capital campaign staffer, served as master of ceremonies while additional entertainment was supplied by Newtown Bee reporter John Voket and his 99Dollar DJ Service.

During the course of the evening, guests were treated to a new KCC campaign video produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Tibi, who was recognized for his volunteer efforts with a special Spotlight Award. Other Spotlight Awards were presented to Dr Conrad Ehrlich of Housatonic Valley Radiological Associates, PC, and Douglas Magazu, finance officer of Danbury Office of Physician Services in appreciation of thousands of dollars in medical, diagnostic, and imaging services provided at no charge to clinic patients since KCC opened its doors a little more than two years ago.

Following welcoming remarks by Newtown First Selectman Herb Rosenthal and Dr Z. Michael Taweh, the founder of KCC and father of the clinic’s late namesake, the organization was presented with a generous donation from Brian Amey of Newtown Savings Bank. The $7,500 check represented proceeds from the Newtown Rotary Club’s Jim Osborne Memorial Golf Classic fundraiser.

Once the speaking program was completed, honorees enjoyed dancing and socializing among the more than 150 supporters, volunteers and clinic staff members until it was time to yell, “Cut — that’s a wrap!”