Thank you to this year's Sponsors!

We're excited to partner with many great organizations, businesses, and foundations dedicated to supporting our vital services.

Interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to Shelby at shelby@ctpridecenter.org for more info.

Live Auction Items

Preview the exciting items and once in a lifetime experiences up for live auction during the gala!

Board Wine Basket

Eleven fine wines selected from TCC's own Board of Directors. Featuring:

Alto Moncayo, Alto Moncayo 2020 - Spain, Garnacha
Calera Ryan Vineyard 2017 - Central Coast, Pinot Noir
Buehler Estate 2017 - Napa, Cabernet
Domaine Santa Duc - Aux Lieux Dits Gigondas - Rhone
Collina San Ponzio Fassati 2020 - Borolo
Il Poggione 2019 - Brunello di Montalcino
Cloudy Bay 2024 - Nre Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc
Lucien Crochet 2023 - Sancerre
Domaine D'Eole 2024 - Provence, Rose
“Welcome Back” Cocito Langhe 2022 DOC - Piedmant, Bianco
Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages 2020 - Rhone

Private Chef Soirée

Savor a gourmet culinary experience for six guests with a private chef experience in your home.

- Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted bespoke menu tailored to you and your guests

- Indulge in mouthwatering dishes, from filet mignon to creamy pancetta risotto

- Sit back and relax with ingredient purchase, preparation, service, and cleanup included for a seamless dining experience

Broadway Prestige Experience

Experience Broadway like never before with a unique insider experience for 2 guests

- Savor an all-inclusive dinner on Broadway's famed Restaurant Row

- Meet-and-dine with a cast member from your choice of Broadway show

- Immerse yourself in the excitement of the stage with Orchestra Seats

- Cherish your time on Broadway with an exclusive in-theater post-show photo opportunity with a cast member

Jewels of Mexico for 2

Your experience at Mayan Palace includes 4 nights for 2 guests at your choice of six breathtaking coastal resorts in Mexico.

- Unwind in an elegant 1 bedroom suite in the Mayan Riviera, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta, Puerto Peñasco.

- Indulge in upscale amenities including sprawling pools, world-class dining, waterparks, spas, golf courses, and more.

- Enjoy sweeping views from your private terrace or balcony.

Puerto Vallarta Postcards Trip for 8

This Puerto Vallarta experience includes 5 nights for up to 8 guests in a stylish 4 bedroom, 4 bath oceanfront condo with premium shared amenities.

- Embrace the art of open-air living with a spacious terrace and heated infinity pool offering breathtaking ocean views.

- Discover the secluded sands of Hidden Beach with a five-hour sailing tour of the Marietas Islands included for all guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Gala being held?

The 2025 Groovy Gala will be held on Saturday, October 4 from 6pm - 11pm at Water's Edge Giovanni's in Darien, CT.

Who can attend the Gala?

The Groovy Gala is an event for any Triangle Community Center supporter ticket holder who is over 21 years old.

How do I buy tickets?

See "Event Tickets" at the top of this webpage.

What should I wear?

This year's Groovy theme celebrates the queerness of the 60s and 70s. We encourage you to dress in your most creative and groovy gala attire! We ask that guests are mindful to avoid cultural appropriation, insensitive stereotypes, and portrayals of body differences. Please refrain from bringing props that could be confused with weapons.

How do I get there?

The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s is located at 2748 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT. There is complimentary valet parking.

From I-95 North: Take exit 9 toward US-1/CT-106/Glenbrook Road. Turn left onto Seaside Avenue. Turn right onto E Main Street. Continue onto Boston Post Road. Just past the third traffic light, the destination will be on the right.

From I-95 South: Take exit 9 for US-1 toward CT-106/Glenbrook. Turn left onto US-1 N/E Main St. Continue onto Boston Post Road. Just past the third traffic light, the destination will be on the right after the bridge.

What accessibility services are in place?

This year's gala - which includes a welcome hour, auction, dinner, and entertainment - will be held on one ground level floor. A restroom is available on this floor with additional restrooms available via elevator. American Sign Language interpreters will be present throughout the speaking portion of the program and closed captioning will be added to all video presentations. If you have any other accessibility needs, contact gala@ctpridecenter.org.

2025 Honorees

Recognizing excellence, diversity, and dedication to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community

- Queer of the Year Award

Will Beauty

Over the past two years, Will Beauty has organized and hosted eight quarterly Will’s Beauties fundraisers for TCC at Troupe 429, raising $60,00 in critical funds and bringing joy and visibility to our community.

- Champion to the Community

Attorney General William Tong

Connecticut’s Attorney General has been a steadfast defender of LGBTQ+ rights leading efforts to protect gender affirming care and ensuring that state protections are not only written into law but fully enforced.

His work includes enshrining rights for LGBTQ+ adults and youth through reproductive justice, healthcare, and employment protections in CT and beyond.

- Advocacy in Action Award

Protecting Gender Affirming Care

We honor a powerful team of advocates safeguarding access to gender affirming care across our state

• Brianna Bloom Skowera, Organizer, Middletown Pride

• Matthew Blinstrubas, Executive Director, Equality Connecticut

• Melissa Combs, Founder & Executive Director, Out Accountability Project

• Reia Massaro, Clinical Lead for Gender Affirming Medicine, Anchor Health