Newtown Youth Services Says Thanks

To the Editor:

We would like to thank everyone who attended the March 15 Dinner Dance/Auction, the major fundraising event for Newtown Youth Services. As noted in our vision statement, “…we envision a community where young people and their families enthusiastically discover, develop, use and share their unique and personal gifts, and where the community provides the resources to support them,” we are sincerely touched by people’s generosity and commitment to help Youth Services continue to provide programs and services to children, youth and families in the community.

We would like to thank Bob Tendler for his heartfelt enthusiasm and generosity on our behalf organizing this event for the fourth year; Claudia Coopersmith for her vision, energy, and beautiful coordination of the decorations under the direction of Karen Murphy and Petal Pushers; Linda Pickwick; our friends of the board, Carlen Gaines, Jim Loring, Ralph and Carm Amodeo; the Silent Auction coordinators Cyndi DeMarco and Cheryl Barbour; The Fireside Inn for hosting the event; Souled Out (our wonderful band); Kathie Kovatch; Jonathan Aragones; live action item donors: Claudia and Rich Coopersmith, Pepsi, Gary Larocque, Michelle Williams Rosenthal, Peter Sandler; auction items from Grace Hanulik, GP Cheffields, Peoples Bank, Ricci’s, Foxwoods, Newtown Cleaners, Avance Esthetiques, United Alarm Services, Sullivan Jewelers, the Dolce Heritage Inn, Stop & Save, Karen’s Fitness, the Tenenbaums, Newtown Car Wash, Galerie Van-Os, Worldwide Beepers and Cell Phones, Lexington Gardens, Direct Diamond, Dot Baumert, Mathison Floors, Robert Anthony’s, Eitan and Laurie Kilchevsky, Dr Bialik, Kris Beckman, Newtown Airport and Limousines, Bearhill Pottery, Don Kopyscinski, Bethel Cinema, Westport Country Playhouse, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Richter Park Golf, Xpect Discounts, David Gould, Debra and Marty Gersten, Dr Jeffrey Barone, Carolyn Thanasoulis, Curves, Monroe Nails, The Clock Shop, Michelle Babyak, San Miguel, Sandy Hook Wine and Liquor, Jill Collins, Dr Michael Leary, Dr Della Schmid, Jim Walsh, Planter’s Choice, Jerry Cole, Drexel Heritage, Debra Orzechowski, Virginia McDade, Sally Lynn MacDonald, Carlen Gaines, Magic Garden, Kevin Donahue, Six Flags Great Adventure, Bridgeport Bluefish, Pasternak Wine Imports, Patty Root, Makuch Art Glass Studio, Betty Christensen, Paul Boyle, Michael and Irene Fitzsimmons, Lamp Crafters, Rankin Sporting Goods, My Place, Mona Lisa, Rabbi Shaul Praver, Sanctus Industries, Taunton Press, Pelz Commodities, Dan Coakley, Package Automotive Co., Preston Aviation, Leahy’s Fuel, Stew Leonard’s, Dan Tannenbaum, Janeen Baron, Simple Pleasures, Susan Preis, Gloria Von Oy, Favors by Lisa, Debby and Bob Tendler, Holmes Fine Gardens, Associated Refuse, Carol Reilley, Boulder Paint Designs, Rethink, Inc, Sippin Energy Products, Adam Broderick, A Better Carpet, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Cynthia Callan, Taunton Wine and Liquor, Italian Pavilion, The Villa Restaurant, Scott Meier, Newtown Power Equipment, Danbury Ice Arena. Additional sponsors include: Dr Richard Coopersmith, Dr Jeffrey Friedman, Dr Henry Gellert, The Inn at Newtown, Attorney Michael Nahoum, Newtown Savings Bank, Union Savings Bank, Dr John Dudley, Tilson Construction, Tim Conlan Co., Kevin’s Community Center, Attorney Anne Ragusa, CTX Mortgage Co., Berkshire Motors, Newtown Insurance, Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corp., Holcomb Fuel, James Morley, Nina and Charlie Allred, Monroe Pediatric, Amber Lighting, and Pepsi Bottling Group; our appreciation to The Newtown Bee for their support and coverage of this event; lastly, our thanks to the staff and board of directors of NYS and to the Youth Advisory Board –– and NYCAAP (Newtown Youth Creating AIDS Awareness for Peers) –– great job!

An added thanks to “Woody” Thompson, who reprised his spectacular rendition of “Mustang Sally,” and our talented guest, Kelly Mittleman, who had appeared on the Today show and gave us a powerful singing performance –– the crowd was on their feet!

Sincerely,

Deborah Richardson

Director of Newtown Youth Services

41A Main Street, Newtown                                       March 24, 2003