Business Supports the Arts Awards

Friday, October 10, 2025, | Amber Room

Sponsor

Buy an Ad

Bidding Only

Support the arts. Strengthen our communities.

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is a catalyst for creativity and connection across our region. With just one staff member and a team of dedicated volunteers, we lead transformative work, from public art and youth development to cultural district planning, creative entrepreneurship, and building infrastructure for arts and cultural assets.

We’re working to raise $50,000 to sustain and grow these vital programs. Your sponsorship helps us continue to build a vibrant, inclusive region where arts and culture thrive.

Engage with 300+ leaders in business, government, and the arts
Celebrate creativity as a driver of economic growth and community pride
Experience live performances and stories that reflect our region’s spirit
Fuel programs that empower youth, activate public spaces, and elevate local culture
Invest in the places we live, work, and love—and the people who make them extraordinary

Your sponsorship is more than a donation. It’s a commitment to a creative, connected future for Western Connecticut.

A New Chapter for a Beloved Tradition

We’re reimagining our signature event as a dynamic luncheon, bringing fresh energy, deeper connections, and renewed purpose to celebrate the arts in Western Connecticut.

Join us as we honor the businesses, individuals, and organizations who champion the arts and enrich our communities.

Enjoy an afternoon of networking, celebration, and live performances, and help us raise $50,000 to sustain vital programs that empower youth, activate public spaces, and build cultural infrastructure across our region.

Location: The Amber Room Colonnade, 1 Stacey Rd., Danbury
Date: October 10, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $75 per person. Table sponsorships available.

Sponsorship and auction donation opportunities are open!

For questions or to get involved, please EMAIL US.

Honorary Chair

Glori Norwitt, CT Envoy for International Engagement

Glori Norwit represents the State of Connecticut and AdvanceCT in international relations, fostering cultural and commercial partnerships. Former Chair, Ridgefield’s Economic & Community Development Commission and serves on boards of the CT Arts Foundation and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.

Read full bio

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, President, WCSU

Dr. Bernal is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, known for championing equity-centered student success and forging innovative partnerships across education, government, and industry. A first-generation college graduate, he brings over 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to inclusive excellence. Read full bio

Awards & Honorees

Every year, the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut recognizes and honors people, businesses, and organizations that contribute to our region's cultural vitality.

Award categories reflect the many ways the arts enrich our communities, including:

Business Supports the Arts Award
Arts in the Community Award
Heart of the Arts Award
Arts Impact Life Award

Honorees are selected based on merit and impact. While not all categories are awarded annually, each recognition reflects a meaningful contribution to the arts and culture landscape.

2025 Honorees

Arts in the Community Award – The Booksmiths Shoppe

Arts Impact Life Award – Dominican Community Center

Heart of Arts Award – Mini Santosh

Special Recognition - Dan Bertram

Meet Our Speakers & Hosts

Guided by civic and cultural leaders who bring energy, insight, and heart to the stage:

Mayor Roberto Alves, City of Danbury – Emcee

Born in Portugal and raised in Danbury, Mayor Alves is the city’s first Latino mayor and a champion of civic engagement. He previously served on the City Council and has a background in technical sales engineering. Read full bio

First Selectman Dan Carter, Town of Bethel – Emcee

A U.S. Air Force veteran and former State Representative, Dan Carter brings decades of public service and leadership. He is active in regional planning and environmental initiatives and holds degrees in political science and airport management. Read full bio

Elizabeth Shapiro, Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums, CT Office of the Arts – Award Presenter

Elizabeth oversees the Connecticut Office of the Arts and the State Historic Preservation Office. Her leadership spans museum operations, cultural strategy, and arts advocacy. She previously led the Connecticut League of History Organizations and the Sharon Historical Society. Read full bio

Auction Items (19)

See All Items

#113

Ceramic Bell by Frank Kara

Value: $350 Silent Auction

$145 Current Bid

2 Bids

#114

Craft Beer Crawl: A Local Tasting Adventure

Value: $200 Silent Auction

$160 Current Bid

7 Bids

#115

Three-hour class for up to 5 adults (age 16 and over) in our Blacksmith Forge

Value: $500 Silent Auction

$325 Current Bid

11 Bids

#116

Gingerbread House Party for Six

Value: $500 Silent Auction

$225 Current Bid

6 Bids

#117

E Pluribus Unum Flag & Textile Artwork by Muriel Stockdale

Value: $2,500 Silent Auction

$950 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#118

Bethel Day Out: Breakfast, Dinner & a Movie!

Value: $165 Silent Auction

$140 Current Bid

6 Bids

#119

Host Your Own Private Party at Greenwood Features

Value: $400 Silent Auction

$150 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#120

Design Consultation with Vicki Taylor-Bloch of At Home Design

Value: $900 Silent Auction

$400 Current Bid

4 Bids

#121

A Little Something from Byrd’s Books

Value: $200 Silent Auction

$100 Current Bid

2 Bids

Online Donation

Donations Raised

12%

$2,550 of $20,000

See All Items

Total Raised

$10,385 Raised $10,000 Goal

103%

78 Contributors 103% Raised

Thank you!

Our sponsors' unwavering support fuels the power of the arts, allowing creativity to thrive, communities to connect, and inspiration to uplift. Thank you for being the driving force behind the magic of the 2025 Business Supports the Arts Awards Luncheon. Your generosity is at the heart of this celebration.