Great Time Had by All at New Britain Dinner

NEW BRITAIN – The Fifth Annual Salvation Army New Britain Recognition Dinner is history! The Hawthorne Inn on the Berlin Turnpike was packed with faithful Salvation Army Officers, supporters, staff, and friends on Tuesday evening, April 23. The event began with Advisory Board member Diane Briggs welcoming the attendees and introducing the Master of Ceremonies, NBC Connecticut’s Sports Anchor Kevin Nathan.

After the delicious meal, Kevin Introduced featured speaker Jen Rizzotti, University of Hartford Women’s Basketball Coach. Rizzotti is a former All-American point guard and Captain, from the undefeated UCONN 1995 National Champions. She spoke about basketball, life, her career, the University of Hartford, the University of Connecticut, marriage, motherhood, and Geno. The audience paid close attention as she described life in the spotlight and how blessed she has been to be a part of everything she has accomplished. There were many questions from the floor about the state of women’s basketball and Jen answered them all.

(Everyone found tasty items they enjoyed in the food line.)

New Britain Corps Officers Stanley and Norma Newton then handled the awards portion of the program. The Friends of The Salvation Army Award was presented to Rita Giancola. The 87-year-old New Britain resident was recognized for her traditional and extravagant, holiday lighting display. It's a labor that Giancola has been doing every year since 1978, and it's a tradition that she's determined to keep going. Giancola runs an open house for five nights every December to benefit the Prudence Crandall shelter and the New Britain Salvation Army, filling cartons with canned soups, pastas, cereal, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and similar items. Rita was surrounded with proud family members.

The Doing The Most Good Award went to Janet Roman. Janet was thanked for her tireless efforts in helping organize the Recognition Dinner. Many of the donated auction items were due to Janet’s tireless efforts.

(New Britain Board Members Bob Baumann, Diane Briggs, Roger Coyle, and Kevin Nathan discussing the event.)

The Hand to Man Award was presented to Best Cleaners for their “Coats for Connecticut” campaign. Customers and the general public drop off gently-used winter coats for all ages at any Best location for free cleaning and weekly delivery to Salvation Army Corps Centers. This year, over 3,000 coats were collected and distributed across Connecticut. Jim and Carmen Coleman accepted the award on behalf of Best Cleaners.

The Faithful Soldier Award was presented to longtime advisory board member Bill Hall. Bill has been a key participant in most New Britain Corps activities. He recently served as dinner chairman for two years. He is also a frequent volunteer. Major Stan said, "When we need a helping hand, I know that we can always count on Bill Hall. He really is a 'faithful soldier.'"

A Special Recognition Award was presented to another longtime advisory board member Kent Carlson for over 40 years of dedicated service to the New Britain Salvation Army.

Bill Dowling was up next. The former owner of the New Britain Rock Cats and longtime friend of the Army, was the "head auctioneer." There were many valuable items to be sold off to eager bidders, and Bill knows how to raise a buck or two! He kept the audience involved and had the audience making generous bids on all of the donated gifts. It wasn’t Bill’s fault that Yankees tickets aren’t a "must have" item.

Program Chairman and Advisory Board member Bob Baumann thanked his fellow board members for all of their help, thanked everyone for coming, and turned the closing benediction over to Major Norma Newton, who brought the program to a close. It was a fun evening that everyone enjoyed in an effort to raise funds to help run many of the programs at the New Britain Salvation Army. Thank you everyone for making this event a success!