In a touching tribute to the life and legacy of a first grader lost in the Sandy Hook shooting, The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation will host its Third Annual Gala, Kindness Comes Home on Saturday, November 16, in Newtown.

This year’s event will be presented at RCG Farm, 32 Taunton Lane, from 6 to 10:30 pm.

The annual gala unites hundreds of supporters, celebrities, and animal advocates from across the region to raise funds for the construction of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

The event also honors the life and legacy of Catherine Violet Hubbard and her love for animals and kindness for all beings.

“My daughter graced this earth for only six short years, but within that time, she left us clear clues to her mission,” says Jennifer Hubbard, Catherine’s mother and the executive director of the sanctuary. “Catherine was gentle and accepting of all beings and would whisper to animals in her care, ‘Tell all your friends that I am kind.’ In those words, she taught us about compassion and unconditional love, and that is the message we’re determined to carry on, now more than ever.”

Personifying the essence of Catherine’s values of compassion, acceptance, and determination will be the presentation of the sanctuary’s annual Kindness Award at the gala. The prestigious award recognizes a person or organization whose work honors the human animal bond.

This year, Sesame Workshop will receive the 2019 Kindness Award for its 50-year service of instilling kindness in the hearts of people across the world. The 2018 recipient was Dr Jane Goodall.

The CVH Animal Sanctuary’s Gala raises money for the sanctuary build while highlighting the progress over the last seven years and the success of its educational and animal care programs that have positively impacted thousand of people and animals. Gala guests will also receive an inside glimpse of the exciting plans ahead. Other features include the Emmy Award-winning news veteran Chuck Scarborough, who will serve as emcee and master of ceremony; television host and animal advocate Jarod Miller, who will introduce his rescued animal ambassadors and share the importance of protecting animals and their natural habitats; a musical performance by the Madrigal Choir of Greenwich Academy; and a surprise musical guest.

In addition, the evening will include signature cocktails from sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka; gourmet hors d’oeuvres and plated dinner; a silent auction with items including an exclusive Derek Jeter signed and framed photo, Quaker Ridge Golf Experience, overnight excursions, art, musical performances, and more; and a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences, including a European cruise, a Turtle Bay Resort stay in Hawaii, signed items from Women’s World Cup champion Alexandra Morgan Carrasco, a stay at a Palm Island Beach Villa, and more.

Ms Hubbard is already in awe of what the night holds in store.

“Seven years ago, I could have never imagined that so many people would come together — year after year — to honor the memory of my daughter and support the animals that she held so dear,” she said.” It gives me such hope and a grateful heart to know that we are creating a place of peace and healing for so many. We hope you’ll join us.”

Tickets start at $350.

To learn more about the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, the Third Annual Gala, Kindness Comes Home, or to donate, call 866-620-8640, send e-mail to gala@cvhfoundation.org, or visit cvhfoundation.org.