Gala-lotta 2018 Waukesha Women's Center

September 07, 2018

Care-a-lotta’s annual Gala-lotta was held on the evening of Thursday, August 23 at The Italian Community Center. The event not only raised $28,000 for The Women’s Center but achieved their goal of engaging new, younger audiences in the organization. 

Guests were invited to the gala for an evening of games and music with a focus on a “Future Free From Violence,” highlighting the Women’s Center’s mission to provide safety, shelter and support to empower all impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse and trafficking. Their mission was brought to the forefront of the evening with a candid conversation hosted by the Advancing Advocates Council as well as Angela Mancuso, Executive Director of The Women’s Center, highlighting the growing need for the resources The Women’s Center provides. Jennifer Bartolotta who leads the Care-a-lotta board also took the podium to thank the evening’s volunteers, acknowledge the crucial work of The Women’s Center, and highlight the generosity of her husband, Joe Bartolotta.

The Women’s Center created a fun and engaging event, encouraging guests to play carnival-style games such as a ping-pong toss and spin-the-wheel in order to meet their fundraising goal while also educating guests about the cause. A variety of prizes were also raffled off, including a grand prize of a dual Film Director membership to this year’s Milwaukee Film Festival. The evening’s festivities were highlighted with music from 88Nine Radio Milwaukee’s DJ Tarik Moody.

As the recipient of Care-a-lotta’s annual all-expense paid gala, all money brought in from the event went directly to the Women’s Center. All food and drinks were provided from Bartolotta Catering & Events at the Italian Community Center, along with a host of volunteers from Bartolottas to provide service for the evening.