The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation will again in 2015 issue thousands of dollars in grants to social service agencies and nonprofits to benefit the children of New London County. This would not happen without all the work that went into the 31st Annual Holiday Gala, held Dec. 12 at Mohegan Sun.

The Holiday Gala is the foundation's biggest fundraiser for the annual grant program. It is a year in the planning, organized by a volunteer committee with assistance from chamber staff. Dozens of local businesses provide their support by donating to the silent and live auctions, which bring in the bulk of the revenue. This year the gala offered more than 160 items and packages for auction, thanks to local businesses and chamber members.

The event would not be possible without its generous sponsors, including Mohegan Sun, the Mohegan Tribe, Backus Hospital, and Anthem, the two dozen Silver and Bronze level sponsors, as well as all those who attend and support the event.

In 2013, the Gala raised enough for the Foundation to give more than $90,000 to 23 social service agencies in eastern Connecticut to improve the lives of eastern Connecticut children. We look forward to seeing what the proceeds from the 2014 Gala will bring.