Business community unites for Chamber gala

The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury was flooded with members of the business community, dignitaries, and guests Saturday for the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce’s 24th annual Awards Gala. Nearly 150 guests turned out for the Chamber’s dinner-dance that includes the presentation of two prestigious awards – the Distinguished Chamber Member Award and the Distinguished Community Member Award. In addition, a silent auction featuring 22 items donated by local businesses and individuals attracted the attention of guests, as did a wine pull and balloon pop. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong attended to present award winners – Rich’s Wings & Things and Tracey Morrissey – each with a special proclamation.

Rich’s Wings & Things, owned and operated by Rich and Deb Vallinaggi, was presented the Distinguished Chamber Member Award. The business has, since it opened in 2020, devoted itself to giving back to the community. Initially, the business donated, cooked, and served food to the town’s first responders during the pandemic. This was done because the owners saw the need to ensure those giving of themselves during a scary time were cared for and fed. That mindset, generosity, and business model carried through today. The business has donated nearly $12,000 back in sales and/or food donations, supporting local sports organizations, parks, schools, fundraiser walks and awareness events, and others, helping each group fulfill its mission to their communities.

Tracey Morrissey, who founded Brian Cody’s Brothers & Sisters Foundations, a 501c3 charitable organization after losing her son to an overdose in August 2019. Through the foundation, Tracey has created awareness about the overdose epidemic and helps those seeking recovery from substance abuse disorder. She has worked to create programs that have become the core of the foundation’s work. They include free direct care to females who have reached out and seek recovery; a Youth Hero Scholarship Program given to a local high school student who has been impacted by the overdose epidemic; food and clothing donation drives to support local sober homes; parent support groups; participation in Narcan handouts and training activities; legislative proposals; and more.

Deborah Rose/Bob Reiling, executive director of the Greater Newe Milford Chamber of Commerce, and Deb Vallinaggi, a member of the Chamber Gala Committee, review the list of sponsor signs to ensure all are displayed in the correct location at the Amber Room Colonnade.

Deborah Rose/Rich Vallinaggi, a member of the Chamber’s board of directors, talks with his daughter, Jenny Vallinaggi, front, and family friend Sarah Schott, both of New Hampshire.

Deborah Rose/A wine pull fundraiser was held during the festivities.

Deborah Rose/A Chamber member, the Garden Club of New Milford, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, designed these floral displays for the placards table that greeted guests.

Deborah Rose/Blue and silver were the colors of the 24th annual awards gala .

Deborah Rose/New Milford resident Denise Giliberti peruses the 22 silent auction items up for bid.

Deborah Rose/This hand-carved wooden flag by Bob Leonard was an eye-catching and popular item in the silent auction.

Deborah Rose/Marc Froehlich, of New Milford Bagelman, and his wife, Nathalie, visit with fellow gala guests.

Deborah Rose/The 24th annual Awards Gala was attended by nearly 150 guests.

Deborah Rose/Maggie Bessel, left, and Brucene Beaudoin, both of Webster Bank, enjoy conversation while dining at the gala.

Deborah Rose/State Senators Julie Kushner and Stephen Harding, behind her, and other gala guests listen as Chamber President Jennifer Birdseye welcomes guests to the dinner-dance.

Deborah Rose/Chamber board member Patti Oberg, left, and Executive Director Bob Reiling, listen as President Jennifer Birdseye recognizes the members of this year's gala committee.

Deborah Rose/Among those in attendance at the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce gala included, from left to right, Chamber Board of Directors Second Vice President Richard Herrington, First Vice President Tammy Reardon, Patti Oberg, Deb Faust and Kristin Gizzi, Executive Director Bob Reiling, board members Wayne Locke, President Jennifer Birdseye and Rich Vallinaggi.

Deborah Rose/Rich Vallinaggi, who co-owns Rich’s Wings & Things with his wife, Deb, is congratulated by Chamber Executive Director Bob Reiling on the Vallinaggi’s business being the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Member of the Year for 2023.

Deborah Rose/A humble Tracey Morrissey, who founded Brian Cody’s Brothers and Sisters Foundation, extends gratitude to all those who nominated and selected her as the recipient of the Chamber’s Distinguished Community Member for 2023.

Deborah Rose/As Deb Vallinaggi, of Rich’s Wings & Things, embraces fellow award-winner Tracey Morrissey, Vallinaggi receives a proclamation from Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

Deborah Rose/Tracey and Tony Morrissey, of New Milford, kick up their heels on the dance floor.

Deborah Rose/Guests Dean Barile and his wife, Edir DaSilva-Barile, find an opportunity for a keepsake photo.