Support the arts. Shape what's next.

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut connects business, government, and community through the arts—strengthening our region in ways you can see and feel.

Today, that work is expanding.

From Arts Hub planning, Youth Development and Third Space expansion to Cultural Districts and public art, we’re helping shape how arts and culture live in our communities, across the places where we gather, work, and connect.

This work is built through partnership.

At a time when funding for arts and culture continues to shift, local investment plays a critical role in what moves forward, and what doesn’t.

Our goal this year is to raise $50,000 to match state funding, sustaining and growing this next phase of work.

What your support makes possible

Places where people naturally gather, parks, downtowns, shared spaces that feel alive
Local businesses and artists working side by side
Public art and performances woven into everyday life
Young people connected to creativity, confidence, and opportunity
A region people choose to stay in, invest in, and grow with

Join business, arts, civic, and community leaders working together across the region. Help shape what’s taking hold, and what comes next.

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At this year’s luncheon

We’ll gather with business, civic, and community leaders who are part of this work.

We’ll recognize those helping move it forward and spend the afternoon connecting around what’s taking hold across our communities.

Come be part of where this is going.

Event Details
Amber Room Colonnade, 1 Stacey Rd., Danbury
Friday, October 9, 2026
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Reserve a table

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For questions or to get involved, please EMAIL US.

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🎁 Got Something Special to Share?

Your donation helps fuel the creative economy of Western Connecticut! From unique experiences to local treasures, every item supports our mission to uplift arts and culture. Let your generosity shine, donate today!

✨ All donations are featured, giving your business or personal contribution valuable exposure.

Gift baskets; Local art or handmade goods; Restaurant or spa gift cards; Tickets to performances or sporting events; Unique experiences (e.g., private tours, lessons, dinners)

💚 Ready to donate? Fill out our donation form. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Keynote Speaker

Fil Cerminara, President, F&M Electric Supply

Fil is a dedicated business leader and community champion whose commitment to giving back has shaped both his company and the region. As co-owner of F&M Electric Supply, he has helped grow the business into one of New England's most respected electrical distributors, creating jobs and opportunities across the communities it serves.

Beyond his professional success, Fil has spent decades supporting local organizations, youth programs, educational initiatives, and charitable causes. Guided by a simple principle, never forget where you came from and always give back, he exemplifies the kind of leadership, generosity, and civic spirit we celebrate at our luncheon.

Honorary Chair

Michelle McCabe, Executive Director, CT Main Street Center

Michelle McCabe is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Main Street Center, where she leads efforts to strengthen downtowns and Main Streets across the state.

Since 2022, she has expanded programs, partnerships, and statewide initiatives focused on community development, business growth, and revitalization.

Michelle also serves on the boards of the Connecticut Arts Alliance and CEDAS.

Awards & Honorees

Celebrating This Year's Honorees

Four honorees, four different paths to the same place: showing up for arts and culture in Greater Danbury.

Photo: Right to left (top): Linda Hubbard, Erin Bryne, Owner of Cotton Candy Fabrics; (bottom) Hildegard Grob, John Frey

Linda T. Hubbard
Mary Rindfleisch Heart of the Arts Award
Founder of the Sherman Artists Association, honored for a career of volunteer leadership that's shaped our region's arts community from the ground up.

Cotton Candy Fabrics & Quilts
Arts Impact Life Award
A business that treats quilting and fiber arts as a form of community connection and philanthropy, not just a product.

Distinguished Cultural Leadership Recognition
A Board-selected honor, given to two individuals this year:

John Frey, whose legislative leadership helped build the framework behind Connecticut's Cultural Districts.

Hildegard Grob, who spent 14 years transforming the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center into a major regional cultural site.

Meet Our Co-Hosts & Presenters

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

Mayor Roberto Alves, City of Danbury – Co-host

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 Rudy Marconi, Town of Ridgefield– Co-host

Rudy Marconi is the First Selectperson of Ridgefield, a position he has held since 1999. A lifelong Ridgefield resident, Marconi previously served on both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Selectmen. Throughout his tenure, he has played a leading role in regional planning, emergency preparedness, municipal advocacy, and public health initiatives, serving with organizations including the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, the Housatonic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, and the Council of Small Towns. Read full bio

Kirti Patel, Deputy Commissioner, Economic Development, Chief Manufacturing Officer, CT – Award Presenter

Kirti D. Patel is Connecticut's Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development and Chief Manufacturing Officer. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in advanced manufacturing and technology development, he has held executive roles across the life sciences, medical device, and semiconductor sectors, including Eppendorf Manufacturing Corporation, Siemens, and Intel. Read full bio

Auction Items

Auction (7)

See All Items

#9001

Autumn Leaves Quilt

Value: $700 Silent Auction

$150 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#9002

Mayor for a Day

Value: Priceless Silent Auction

$100 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#9003

Discover Your Leadership Style

Value: $250 Silent Auction

$65 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#9004

Showtime & Sweets: Tickets + Treats

Value: $300 Silent Auction

$75 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#9005

Art & Legacy: 3 Works of Art

Value: $750 Silent Auction

$175 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#9006

Cozy Night In: Teapot, Books & More

Value: $489 Silent Auction

$125 Starting Bid

0 Bids

#9007

Glow Facial & Skincare Experience

Value: $200 Silent Auction

$60 Starting Bid

0 Bids

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.