PARTY AT THE POND

In 2018, the Branford Rotary Foundation hosted a rare and extraordinary event: the Party at the Pond. Honoring Foundation Treasurer Bill Van Wilgen, the Party benefitted the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, and the Rotary Scholarship program. 

The beautiful 9-acre pond tucked behind Van Wilgen's Garden Center in Branford is a hidden gem and a site most people never see.  Under a giant tent, surrounded by a field of mums, it was an evening the 200+ attendees will never forget.

What was included with admission:

• Pig roast

• BBQ Chicken

• Clam chowder

• Live music with 'The Muddy Rudders'

• Great wines

• Beer from Thimble Islands Brewing 

• Locally sourced vegetables

• Rose Farm's pies

• Ashley's ice cream

• A Scottish guy

Plus, there was a live and very unusual auction, a chance to hit golf balls into the water on purpose, and much, much more! 

A UNIQUE SPOT, A GREAT CAUSE

Not only will the evening benefit Smilow, but we will be supporting the Branford Rotary Foundation and honoring Rotarian and Foundation Treasurer Bill Van Wilgen and his family, who established the Male Breast Cancer Van Wilgen Fund at Yale New Haven.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds helped fund the Rotary Foundation Scholarship program, which every year gives $12,000 to high school seniors from Branford who are pursuing higher education.

A world leader in cancer care, research and education, Smilow Cancer Hospital delivers the transformative scientific discoveries and care innovations of Yale Cancer Center and Yale New Haven Health to bring us close to a world free of cancer – one patient at a time.