On October 15th, Kayla’s Directory had its first fundraiser, “Cocktails for a Cause.” This event would not have been possible without the support of incredible friends, family, and an amazing community. I would like to thank our committee members: Nancy Warren, Katherine Marsala, Liz Snyder, Gretchen Beaudin, and Nancy Westbrook for helping to organize, put together, and run the event. I would also like to thank our board members for continued support and networking for the silent auction during this busy time: Nancy Westbrook, Erynne Ross, Laura Bonazinga Bouyea, Kevin Pellon, and Josh Kruk. Finally, I would like to thank my parents, Sally and Terry Ryan for finding auction items, running errands, and helping out with Kayla.
A very special thanks goes to Grant Robertson (pictured above), a Essex High School Student, who spent HOURS with his camera in order to put together an amazing and touching film for the event. An extra thank you goes out to his parents, Marianne and Brad, for supporting Grant, helping with transportation, and making sure all the technology was working efficiently! And a special thank you goes to the amazing families that shared their personal stories with Grant about having a child with special needs: Emily Sutton & Adam Sutton, Ben Johnson, Katrina Swilka, Nora, Nina, and Delaney.
I would like to thank Leonardo’s Pizza and Vermont Systems for being our sponsors for the event. I also want to thank all the wonderful merchants who donated items to the auction: Vermont Soap Company, A Little Something, Fiddlehead Brewery, Jess Boutique, Alissa Fromkin, Rod Cain, Handy’s Lunch, Travis Gervais, Momentum Physical Therapy, The Mule Bar, Mirror Mirror, Wildflower Studio, Davis Studio, Hillary and Adam Wheeler, Darn Tough Socks, Shelburne Meat Market, Vermont City Marathon, Smugglers Notch, Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Shelburne Farms, Hinesburg Hair Studio, AMV Photography, Green Peppers, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Middlebury Bagel Bakery, Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont Coffee Company, Stone Soup, Speeders and Earls, Chef’s Corner, Ecco, 7th Generation, Vineyard Vines, Martone’s, Healthy Living, King Arthur Flour, Bow Meow Pet Grooming, Skinny Pancake, Folino’s, TJ MAXX, Sport Style, EB Strong’s, Therin Pohley, Hilton, Country Kart Deli, Maple Landmark, Great Harvest Bread Company, Goss Dodge, Jiffy Mart, Myer’s Bagels, Metrorock, Lori Wilcox, Beau Ties, Rosalie Welch, The Edge Sport and Fitness, Tater Harper, Sara Katz, Katharine Monstream, Windjammer, Commando, Fiona Cooper Fenwick, Max Factory Fun, and Madi Litchfield and UVM Men’s and Women’s Hockey Team.
Although we were very successful in raising funds for Kayla’s Directory, what touched me the most was the personal feedback that I received throughout the week regarding the event. People were touched by the powerful video and our speakers, Katrina and Ben, regarding the joys, triumphs, sadness, and struggles families face while raising a child with special needs. I think people left the event recognizing the support that these families need within our community. That is all that I ask for!
Thank you everyone for an amazing evening!