Interval House Holds Annual Gala

Interval House’s mission, to provide help to victims of domestic violence, is a lifeline for those who have nowhere to turn when life becomes sad and fearful.

But on Saturday night at The Society Room in Hartford it was all about smiles as supporters of the non-profit turned out for its “Step Up and Sept Out 2013” annual gala.

The tone was set with a welcoming, celebrity-style red carpet that had even executive director Cecile Enrico giddy.

“I just want to walk down that red carpet with my son,” said fellow staffer, Rosemary Padin, heading back outside for the strut after tending to last-minute arrangements inside. “I can’t wait to walk the red carpet together.”

There were a slew of local personalities to make the red carpet walk worthwhile including Fox Ct/WTIC Joe Furey, NBC Connecticut’s Brad Drazen, WFSB’s Dennis House and Kara Sundlun, and WTIC’s Joe D’Ambrosio.  And home from Washington D.C. was U.S. Sen. Dick Blumenthal, one of the founders of Interval House’s Men Make A Difference, Men Against Domestic Violence Campaign.

And while he is happy with the progress of his Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, there are other matters in Washington, not so much.

“I am frustrated beyond words,” he said about the federal budget gridlock. “Just frustrated.”

The evening included an auction, dancing and dinner and for most at the black-tie event, it was a night to have fun while benefiting a worthy organization.

“I can’t image in women and children who live in fear of a husband or boyfriend,” said Melody Ricard, an Old Saybrook wife and mother who attended the function for the first time. “There should always be help for people in that situation. How fortunate we can make sure they have somewhere to go for help.”

For more pictures go here.