Cromwell's Mayor Gala 2019

Mayor Enzo Faienza

On Sunday, September 28 the Town of Cromwell,  hosted the Mayor Gala event at the TPC River Highlands Tournament Players Club Ballroom.

Distinguished town personalities made a presence to this important event.

The gala was business casual, although many invitees made an appearance in their gala gowns and suits displaying glamor, and elegance. 

Each year, the event was to honor the people and organizations that are creating a positive impact in the Town of Cromwell.

Alyssa Godutti CEO and President of Adelbrook behavioral services, an organization that helps children with disabilities, received the Town’s award for her hard work and dedication in service to the families from all over Connecticut, who came to Cromwell for services and compassionate care.

She remarked, “I am so happy to be here and incredibly grateful to be honored and to be one of the beneficiaries at the Mayor’s Gala. Cromwell residents stand out for each other, support each other, and give back to those in need”. 

Alyssa Godutti and her husband

Heather and Jeff Polke, life long residents from Cromwell, were honored for their hard work and support to the community, to develop diverse community projects. One of their recent projects is for the Cromwell Farmer Market; an event that has been bringing people from all over Connecticut to the small city, creating a stronger community, and tourism; and which has been ranked one of the top 10 best Farmer Markets nationwide.

Heather stated, “Tonight is a great honor that all of the proceeds are going to the organization (Adelbrook). Without my husband’s support, none of this would be possible. I am giving 18 weeks of my life for this, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. All that we give is 120 percent of volunteer work. That is all my family work. It’s all about community. I’d tell you this if you could give a few hours of volunteer a week or a month we need your help, and it’s amazing”.

Heather Polke

Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, who is a big supporter of Adelbrook, was invited to the event but for other reasons, he couldn’t make it. However, he made a generous donation to the event’s cause. 

Faienza addressed his gratitude, “Tonight is truly a very special event; we’re going to celebrate the coming together of our community.” What we’ve done in the past years is important. This event has raised money for  “Cromwell Human Services, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Middlesex Cancer Center, The American Legion 105 for the rebuild for the memorial green, and last year for the Hospital for Special Care (ALS research and treatment). In the last four years, we were able to donate over $19,000 from various organizations. I am so proud. This can’t be done alone; and it’s because of you, that we have such an amazing community”.

Richard Franklin Donohue, president of the Cromwell Historical Society, was the winner of the Citizenship award, for his many years of civil service, and dedication to bring up the history of the City of Cromwell through generations.  In gratitude, he proudly sang the national anthem with patriotism and joy.

Richard Franklin Donohue

The music was performed by the talented Cromwell Hight School students “Jazz Band” lead by their music teacher Mr. Raymond Sinclair. 

Cromwell High School "Jazz Band"

Political personalities from the Middlesex county, Senator Matt Lesser and Representative Christie Carpino, shared moments with the attendees.

Right: Christie Carpino and Matt Lesser

“We are one community, we are one family, and we are here to celebrate a great organization and amazing individuals,” said Faienza at the end of the ceremony.

The event was entirely funded thanks to the generosity of various donors, organizations, and attendees.