Charity Begins At Home… Or Guilford

It wasn’t tough because of the organization or the crowd–both of those were great. It was tough because of strange logistics.

I was an auctioneer in auction taking place while participants sat in three separate dining rooms… and the PA system didn’t work.

I am bushed. Is it OK to admit that? I am spent!

I emceed a charity event tonight. Some are easy, some more difficult. This was the latter.

Oy!

Tonight’s benefit was for Fellowship Place which helps, “adults with mental illness lead more meaningful, fulfilling and healthy lives by offering resources, education and opportunity.” It took place at the Stone House Restaurant at Guilford Harbor on Long Island Sound.

This was a food-o-rama! It started with hors d’oeuvres then worked through a sit down dinner climaxing with filet mignon served in a fluffy pastry shell. I’m probably not allowed to eat again until the second week in May!

There was wine tasting before dinner. I saw my friend Andy Eder schmoozing around. When you’ve seen someone at as many charity events as I have with Andy you may safely assume he’s a good guy. Ray Mathews, glass blower and glass golf putter inventor was there too. He’s also charity oriented.

I sat with much of Duby Mcdowell‘s family (sans Duby). I have come to the conclusion Duby and I have the least similar upbringing of any two people in Connecticut! I love her mom. She started Fellowship Place.

When my part of the evening wrapped I called up Google Navigation and drove back to work via Route 17, 9 and I-91. A misty night like tonight isn’t the right time to be exploring Route 17. It passes through every little town in Central Connecticut before joining up with Route 9 in Middletown.

It’s dark. It’s windy. It’s a little scary too. I-95 to I-91 should have been my choice.

My charity events aren’t over yet. Saturday I’ll be appearing at the Meriden Daffodil Festival in the afternoon then the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala at night. I might not get out of bed Sunday.

6 thoughts on “Charity Begins At Home… Or Guilford”

  1. It’s one of life’s ironies for those of us who grew up in Guilford that the quickest way to get places north of us is going via New Haven. The most direct route for you would have been 77 to 17 to 9 to 91 from the Stone House, but no matter, taking 95 to 91 is still quicker!

  2. I’ve wanted to go to the daffodil festival and once again can’t make it. Family obligation in Mass. the entire weekend. Maybe next year. Have a good time Geoff you’ll be outside, sun will shine and it will be a nice day! You should bring Doppler if allowed.

  3. I do agree, Geoff. 77 is NOT a road to take in bad weather. It is a very pretty drive during the day and on CLEAR nights. Glad you got to work safely.
    Glad tonight’s event well and good luck this weekend.

  4. You must have taken 77 to get to 17 and, yes, it is long, dark and winding, but it is the most direct route. I work on the west side of Middletown, and a portion of that drive is my daily commute. When we first moved to Guilford from Hamden, it took a long time to get used to how dark it is. Guilford has few street lights. The up side is we got to see stars again.

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