New London ― The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation’s annual Holiday Gala returns Dec. 16 with an in-person celebration after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 37th annual event, presented in partnership with the Mohegan Tribe, will be on Friday, Dec. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and take place in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, and will raise funds for the Foundation’s grant and scholarship programs.

According to a news release, guests will be treated to a champagne reception, dinner and dessert buffet and will bid in a silent auction.

A live auction featuring gifts and experiences will be hosted by former Channel 3 newsman Kevin Hogan and auctioneer Max Wolf.

The foundation is affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Inc. It strives to promote initiatives that enhance and enrich education and economic opportunities, especially for children and families, in the chamber service area. It is the intent of the foundation to provide such organizations with resources to assist in pilot programs, expansion of programs, research and more.

At its virtual holiday auction in 2021, the Chamber Foundation raised $66,000 and awarded $75,050 using some of their rainy day funds in March 2022 to 30 local nonprofit organizations. For more information on the Foundation and its grants, visit ChamberECT.com.

Donations for the live and silent auction are still being accepted. Contact Shöna Nilsson at snilsson@chamberect.com to make a donation. Tickets are $125 per person or $1,250 for a reserved table of eight. For information and tickets visit ChamberECT.com/gala or call 860-701-9113.