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United for Gemma Benefit Gala

Wednesday, October 15, 2025
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338

 

Gold Sponsors


 

Silver Sponsors


 

Bronze Sponsors


 

The event benefits the Gemma Legacy Fund to create sustainable support for the ongoing operation of the Food Center program in order to eliminate food insecurity in New London County.

Bidding is open for the silent auction. Items include: Getaway to York Beach, Maine, Meet the Sea Lions and other family adventures, Hamilton at the Bushnell, golf outings, pet accessories, Mystic Cruise and overnight stay, and concerts including Heart, Foreigner, Pierce the Veil, and Bryan Adams.

How to Register via Home page registration button:

  • Visit the event website address: https://GemmaGala.givesmart.com 
  • Click Register to Participate (button top right corner). 
  • Create an Account. 
  • Check the Terms and Conditions box. 
  • Check the Text Messages box (for bids, purchases, and event announcements). 
  • Click Create my GiveSmart Account. 
  • Click OK within the All Set Message to complete Registration.

How to Register via text message:

  • Text campaign keyword, GemmaGala to 76278. 
  • Follow the prompts from the texts received. 
  • Once registered, click the blue link within the Welcome Text to access the event/auction.

How to Bid 

  • Once you have completed your registration (instructions above), you will receive the welcome text message, linking you to the items to browse, bid or buy. 
  • Click on the Blue link in the Welcome text to be directed to the Items page. 
  • View items by category or search by Item number or name. 
  • Click the item of interest to view the description as well as the current bid and or price. 
  • The system will auto-populate the bid amount based on the set increment for the item. 
  • Choose to bid at the set amount or higher. 
  • Click Bid. 

If you would like to purchase tickets, please contact Rebecca Reutlinger, Vice President of Resource Development.

Gold Sponsor: $10,000

  • Prominent recognition on event website, event signage, slideshow, and announcement from podium
  • Inclusion in news releases and social media
  • Full-page program ad
  • One table of 10 guests with premier placement
  • Listing in United Way Annual Report
     

Silver Sponsor: $5,000

  • Recognition on event website, event signage, and slideshow
  • Inclusion in news releases and one social media post
  • Half-page program ad
  • One table of 10 guests with premier placement
  • Listing in the United Way Annual Report

 
Bronze Sponsor: $2,500

  • Recognition on event website, event signage, and slideshow
  • One social media post
  • Quarter-page program ad
  • One table of 10 guests with premier placement

 

Gemma MoranUnited Way of Southeastern Connecticut created a Legacy Fund for the Food Center program in honor of our founder, Gemma E. Moran. 

Through her work at United Way as the region’s first Labor Liaison, Gemma saw families in our community struggling to put food on their tables. Her determination to help, along with the support of Labor and United Way, led to the formation of our Food Center 35 years ago.

Your contribution to this fund will help us ensure Gemma's legacy continues for another 35 years and beyond. All designations to this new Gemma Legacy Fund will be invested to collectively create sustainable support for the ongoing operation of the Food Center program. Our vision is to best position the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center to eliminate food insecurity in New London County.

Donate to The Gemma Legacy Fund.

Interested in helping out?