It was a magical night as the Stratford ReStore was transformed into a party venue! As guests arrived, they were immediately embraced by the warm and welcoming vibe. They enjoyed delicious food provided by our generous in-kind donors, Bites by Braxtons, Dulce de Leche Café, and The Executive Chef, as well as home-baked desserts and an absolutely stunning floral arrangement provided by ReStore After Dark committee member Francesca Bond of Cranbury Cottage House. They enjoyed a selection of beverages graciously provided by Connecticut Distributors Inc., Elicit Brewing Company, Two Roads Brewing Company and Whalers Brewing Company. The smell of fresh-baked pizza straight from the Big Green Truck Pizza oven wafted through the space as DJ Steve Di Costanzo and his talented team from WPKN 89.5 FM played a tasty mix of eclectic vintage vinyl tunes.
Perhaps the most important table of all was our Build a Home table, where guests had a chance to meet and speak with Habitat CFC homeowners, learn more about our mission, and hear firsthand how our work has impacted the lives of families in Coastal Fairfield County. Generous guests purchased symbolic home parts (sinks, ovens, decks, etc.) and attached them to a large floor plan of a Habitat CFC home.
Walking down the main aisle, guests had an opportunity to guess mystery objects provided by Wilton Historical Society, and Habitat CFC. They perused the 61 auction items up for bid and learned about our Women Build program.
Moving further into the space, guests were offered tastings from a staggering array of high-end libations generously donated by 1911 Established and Litchfield Distillery. Rounding the corner, they were able to engage in private sessions with expert appraisers from M.J. Thomas Jewelers and Stephanie Calman Fine Art Appraisals.
Habitat CFC's Executive Director, Ashley Volkens, delivered a heartwarming speech.
"Every ReStore purchase you make today and every day goes to making someone else's dream of owning a home a reality," Ashley said. "Habitat for Humanity was built on partnership. And that includes our volunteers, our donors, our municipal support, and our corporate partners."
She went on to thank the Habitat CFC staff, board of directors, VIP hour presenting sponsor Town Fair Tire Foundation, and all the other sponsors, in-kind donors and attendees.
Throughout the evening, there was, of course, plenty of opportunity for guests to shop the enticing treasures surrounding them! On top of all the tantalizing ReStore merchandise, the Delade Designs vignette of beautiful vintage gems stood out, lovingly curated by Brad Delade, a recent That Thrifting Show contestant, with all proceeds going toward Habitat CFC’s mission.
The evening finished off with energetic dancing and a warm feeling of camaraderie and connectedness. Our hope is that our new friends will remember our mission and participate in future events, and that our longtime friends left with renewed excitement about Habitat CFC’s future. Based on the enthusiasm for this initial launch, we hope to welcome the community back for ReStore After Dark in 2027!
Click here to view the ReStore After Dark photo gallery.
Click here for the Unknown Object Challenge answers.
Thank you!
Habitat CFC extends our deepest thanks to all the guests, donors, sponsors, board members, committee members, and volunteers who made the evening possible. We couldn’t do any of our important work without you!
Thank you to our Special Event Sponsors!
Thank you to our Connoisseur Collector Sponsors!
Thank you to our Digital Program Sponsor!
Thank you to our In Kind Sponsors!
Thank you to our ReStore After Dark Committee!
Jennifer Bebon, Francesca Bond, Patrcia Clark, Brad Delade, David Jutcawitz, William Lyon, Tara Rotelli, Jack Shettino, Marina Savory, Tanisha Williams
Thank you to our Volunteer Photographers!
Laura Baié and Vinicius Rossetti
