At last year’s Gala, supporters stood to share their Springbrook story and celebrate the news: the Coming Home Expansion had been approved! Together with students Thomas and Alyssa, they helped assemble a giant puzzle, to reveal the forthcoming Golisano School at Springbrook. By the end of the evening, only one empty space remained – that representing the $5 million Coming Home Campaign.

On April 9th of this year, Thomas and Alyssa were back, to help Springbrook celebrate its 6th Annual Gala, Together Hand in Hand. As a crowd of 300 Springbrook friends and supporters cheered them on, Thomas and Alyssa filled in that remaining puzzle piece. “The Coming Home Campaign has been completed and the $5 million has been raised!” Patricia Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, and Doug Gulotty, Capital Campaign Co-Chair announced to the packed ballroom. The announcement’s enthusiasm was carried by all who attended the memorable event, which grossed a record-breaking $151,000.

The evening’s program continued during dinner, where Will, a resident at the Milford IRA, performed Annie Lennox’ Universal Child and the ever-popular Lean on Me. The songs aptly captured the night’s theme of Together Hand in Hand, and Springbrook’s appreciation of the partnerships we have developed with our friends and donors to support individuals with developmental disabilities. So moved were the attendees by Will’s performance that he received a standing ovation after each song, the dining room erupting in cheers and applause.

In recognition of Will, Thomas, Alyssa and the more than 650 other individuals served by Springbrook, guests were encouraged to “play a hand for Hand in Hand,” in the event’s first-ever casino, sponsored by LeChase Construction Services. Although no real money was in play in the casino, donations made to Springbrook at the “bank,” sponsored by Citizens Bank, gave attendees the opportunity to earn more chips for use at any one of sixteen tables throughout the evening. Accompanied by music from Doc Scanlon’s Rhythm Boys and a special performance by the Springbrook Dance Team, guests agreed that this was Springbrook’s best Gala yet.

The success of this year’s Gala shone through not only in the record-breaking numbers, but in the laughter and smiles that were seen on every face that night. The joy and enthusiasm that goes along with the achievement of a significant and substantial goal runs parallel and deep within the Springbrook mission. In recognition of the supporters who helps us carry out that mission every day, thank you for joining with us, always together hand in hand!