My Sisters’ Place Celebrates Efforts At Gala

There was lots to celebrate at My Sisters’ Place “Changing Lives Gala” at the Hartford Marriott Downtown Friday. The new Sue Ann Shay Apartments have opened providing 34 additional housing units in Hartford and there has been continued support for the non-profit that helps those in need of permanent housing and services.

“It has been a good year but there is more to do,” said executive director Diane Paige’Blondet about future plans that must be addressed. “We have already filled the new units and are looking to build another 131 units,” she said. “We know what the waiting list looks like and it tells us we need to build again.”

The “sisters” place party attracted a fair share of sisters and brothers including board vice president Rebecca Paolino, who, when her boyfriend couldn’t make the gala, took the next best thing to the dance, her brother Dante Paolino.

“I’m only her because he couldn’t make it,” laughed Dante about the brother/sister date.

Sisters Helena and Stephanie McCone also attended the gala together, traveling from Massachusetts for the fundraiser.

“I won tickets to the party,” said Helena McCone who invited her sister along. The two noted their mother was born in Hartford so they did have some connection to the city.

“And I researched My Sisters’ Place before coming down,” said Helena McCone. “It seems like a good organization that provides for a good cause, so we are glad to be here.”