Saint Joseph Parenting Center (SJPC) welcomed 130 guests to their 14th Annual Benefit Breakfast on Wednesday, April 26th at the Italian Center in Stamford in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. They were honored to have in attendance Senator Patricia Billie Miller, Mayor Caroline Simmons, Rep. Thomas O’Dea, and longtime supporter Carol Bauer. Also present was Mike Donoghue from Catholic Charities. They are partnering with us to bring SJPC to Bridgeport in the near future.

The Catherine A. Klie Award was presented to BJ Gedney, who has been an avid supporter of SJPC since the Center’s opening in 2010. She has generously given her time, talent, and treasures to SJPC through the years… She is passionate about making a difference in the world of child abuse prevention. The award was presented to her by board member Mary Rather, with her entire family in attendance.

This year was special featuring a parenting panel spotlighting three SJPC parents, Bella Pacheco, Mitch Janoff, and Chris Rushing. Their passion for the programs that changed their lives echoed when questioned by moderator, Scott Ventrella. We were blessed to have Scott offer his services. He connects personal development with professional and spiritual growth as he pursues his passion for helping others reach their full potential.

Special thanks to Gerry Sweeney, our Chairman of the Board, Rhonda Neal, our Executive Director, and to Rain Carbon, hatattack, and drBank for sponsoring our breakfast event.