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Circle of Care will celebrate 10 years of providing direct emotional, practical and financial assistance to families affected by childhood cancer with a gala celebration on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Dolce in Norwalk. Martha Borrero and Jeff Salguero of Wilton are co-chairs of “Celebrating 10 … Roaring to 20.”
From a single program 10 years ago, to six programs today, Circle of Care has reached more than 1,700 families, delivering 1,500 Bags Of Love, transforming 53 children’s bedrooms through Art from the Heart and providing more than $500,000 in direct financial support — more money than any other organization in Connecticut, a press release said.
The program was started by two Wilton women.
“We started this organization because we know how hard the journey through treatment is for children and families, and we wanted to ease the burden,” said Circle of Care President Liz Salguero about the organization she founded with treasurer Dawn Ladenheim. “Ten years ago, our sons Dan and Carlos were in treatment for pediatric cancer, so we have a unique perspective on the kind of support services that can make a difference,” Ms. Ladenheim said.
Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon will welcome attendees to the gala with a special video tribute, which will feature children and families Circle of Care has helped over the last decade. Silent auction items will be available for purchase, followed by a brief live auction, and a special drive to raise funds to provide direct financial support to families of children with cancer.
More than 200 people are expected to enjoy an evening of “Roaring 20s” Big Band sounds, along with festive food and drinks. Tickets are $200 each and may be purchased through thecircleofcare.org.
This is not going to be a sit-down at a table kind of event,” Ms. Borrero said. “We want to keep the energy going; it will very much be a club feel throughout the evening with a really rocking band.”
Ms. Salguero’s husband, gala co-chair Jeff Salguero recalled the last 10 years.
“We were going through this whole journey at the time, and Liz felt very strongly about starting this,” he said, referring to the time their son, Carlos, was being treated for leukemia. “I give it to her 100%. At a time like that, you are barely holding your own, and going through your own issues, let alone thinking about the whole state’s issues. But that’s what she did. She said we’ve got to turn something bad into something good. That’s the spirit of Circle of Care.”
