Always Home gala to honor Betty and Bill Smith

Apr. 4—MYSTIC — Always Home's HEART TO HEART Gala, to be held at 6 p.m. on April 21, at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa, will honor supporters Betty and Bill Smith and commemorate the organization's 25 years of community service. The gala is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofit social services agency that works to prevent family homelessness.

Bill served on Always Home's Board of Directors for six years, including two and a half years as president. Betty volunteered as gala chair for three years before joining the Board in 2017. In 2019, she was appointed interim executive director, a position that was soon made permanent.

"Since our founding in 1998, Always Home has grown from a small grassroots effort to an agency serving upwards of 300 families a year," Tricia Cunningham, Always Home's executive director, said in a statement. "Both individually and as a couple, the Smiths were at the heart of our advancement."

"Because of Betty and Bill, Always Home is in a better position to address the housing crisis we're facing today," added Cunningham.

The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, three-course dinner, auctions, and experiences, and dancing to DJ Doug of Power Posse Productions. The Gala Silent Auction is open to the public for bidding. More information and to preview and register to bid on auction items is available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/oO9/