2019 FRIENDS WAY Gala a Success

The 2019 Gala, which celebrated our 20th anniversary, raised $125,325 to benefit Southern New England’s leading bereavement program for children.
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On April 26, FRIENDS WAY welcomed more than 250 guests to Ledgemont Country Club for its Diamonds in the Sky gala, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. The event raised $125,325 to benefit Southern New England’s leading bereavement program for children.

This year’s Diamonds in the Sky gala also marked the 20th anniversary of the organization, which was founded by a small group of individuals committed to creating a place for grieving children and families to heal. The six founders – Carolyn Hames, Jennifer Kaplan, Paula Pratt, Mark Russell, Cynthia Walbridge, and Doreen Wiggins, MD, were honored during a special presentation.

Dr. Doreen Wiggins also presented the annual Michael E. Wiggins, MD Leadership Award, named in memory of her late husband. The award honors an individual who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to helping children and improving their lives. This year’s honoree was Mark Russell, president of Monahan, Drabble and Sherman Funeral Home.

“The lives of so many children and families have been forever changed for the better by the work of our founders, whose vision and incredible investments of time and talent brought this program to life,” said Susan Stevenson, executive director of FRIENDS WAY. “Thanks to the amazing generosity of our donors, we’re able to serve as a place of healing for children and families.”