Hat City Ball Celebrates Danbury, Raises Funds For Museum

DANBURY, CONN. - The Danbury Museum and Historical Society celebrated the city and its rich history with the return of its annual ball Friday, Jan. 16.

Traveling Men Quartet from left to right, Art Cilley (Danbury), Danny Anderson (Bethel), Andy Bayer (Danbury), and Joe Hudson (Danbury).
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Sandy Banks, of Danbury, with her husband of one day, Michael O'Brien.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Perri and Joe Wrinn, of Woodbury.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Denise and Paul Valeri, who is chairman of the event, and on the Board of Directors at the museum.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Left to right: Emile and Theresa Buzaid, and Gail and Bob Doyle, all of Danbury.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Left to right: Danbury residents Cindy Merkle, Brian and Dianna Skarda,
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Jacqueline and City Councilman Vinny DiGilio, of Danbury.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Ed and Joanne Siergiej, with Maryjo (left) and Julia.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Paul and Sally Estefan, of Danbury. Paul is the Airport Administrator and Zoning Commissioner for the city.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

01/19/2015 5:00 p.m.

The black tie event, previously known as the Mayor's Ball but dubbed the Hat City Ball this year, included dinner, dancing, a silent and live auction, and entertainment by the Traveling Men Quartet.

"I like the networking, and it's a very lovely evening," said Sandy Banks of Danbury. Banks and her husband, Michael O'Brien, were married just one day earlier, on the day of their 17th anniversary together -- by the mayor. There's always good socializing, and it celebrates Danbury. I'm happy we have it."

"It's about Danbury, about our heritage, our culture," added Paul Estefan of Danbury, who is the city's airport administrator. "It's a good fundraiser for the museum, so it's very important... especially so the younger generation can see."

"The ball is to highlight the history, as well as be a major fundraiser for the museum, to help it be self-sustaining," said Paul Valeri of Danbury, who's on the museum's Board of Directors. "This is the first Hat City Ball. It's great to see Danbury people having a good time, and wanting to see the museum prosper."

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