To the Editor:

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to our Denim & Diamonds event at The Waterview on Friday, February 10, to support the Hearts of Hope Newtown chapter. Our event was incredibly successful, thanks to our event committee, our volunteers, our attendees, and the support of nearly 100 individuals, organizations, and businesses at the local, state, and national level. We are well on our way to funding a studio here in our beloved community of Newtown that will allow us to expand our offerings so that we can paint more hearts to send to veterans, children's hospitals, cancer centers, first responders, active military, and a host of other causes and locations in need of hope.

Our event would not be possible without the incredible support of our financial sponsors - Schwab Charitable (through a grant from Nancy Howe), the Daniel Barden Mudfest, Dental Associates of Connecticut, and fisio Physical Therapy and Wellness. For their partnerships, we are very grateful.

Special thanks to DJ John Voket for donating of his time to provide entertainment for our event and serve as MC for our silent auction, to Newtown Police Chief James Viadero for offering opening remarks, and to Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra for attending and always supporting our cause.

It meant so much to our organization to have such a crowd come out to support our organization. On behalf of both our local and national leadership, we thank you for supporting Hearts of Hope and look forward to seeing you at our Denim & Diamonds event next year.

Sincerely,

Kristen Mattera

Hearts of Hope Newtown Chapter President

PO Box 3622, Newtown         February 15, 2017