Gala to benefit Sheffield Island Lighthouse slated March 23

The Norwalk Seaport Association will host its 2013 Light Keeper's Gala on March 23 to benefit the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse. The gala, with the theme "Hurray for Hollywood!" will be from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center. During the event, the NSA will present its annual Beacon Award to the Exchange Club of Norwalk for its service to the community and support of the association's mission.

The Hollywood, red carpet-themed evening will feature cocktails, dining and dancing, as well as silent and live auctions to benefit the restoration and preservation of Sheffield Lighthouse. For nearly 10 years, the organization has recognized individuals who have been "beacons" -- a source of light, inspiration and support -- of the Norwalk Seaport Association and the community. National Exchange Club President B.L. "Lou" Molitor will be accepting the award for the Exchange Club of Norwalk.

"Our Hollywood theme is fitting because our volunteers are really the stars of the organization," said NSA President Irene Dixon. "The NSA is an all-volunteer organization, and we could never be successful without them in our mission of preserving the lighthouse and educating the thousands of visitors to the island each year about Long Island Sound and Norwalk's maritime heritage."

The Exchange Club of Norwalk is a service organization made up of men and women dedicated to bettering the Norwalk community through support of local charities, youth programs and college scholarships. The club has been involved with the NSA's Oyster Festival since the festival's inception in 1978. Exchange Club of Norwalk President Angela Lepore said, "Our participation in the Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival these past 35 years has helped us to raise more than three-quarters of a million dollars, and we give every dollar we earn back to the community."

Lepore said the money raised has helped Norwalk in a number of ways, including support for Norwalk Hospital to open a Center for Outpatient Pediatric Evaluation for the prevention of child abuse, the purchase of a 15-passenger van for the city for children's services and annual scholarship awards for Norwalk school students.

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and public awareness of Norwalk's maritime environment and heritage. The NSA has owned, restored and maintained Sheffield Island Lighthouse since 1986. For information, visit www.seaport.org or call 203-838-9444.