Family Centers takes guests down the Silk Road for annual benefit

More than 300 guests joined Family Centers on an exotic journey across the deserts of the Middle East, through ancient Chinese cities and along the shores of the Mediterranean on June 11 for its annual benefit titled The Silk Road.

With cuisine from countries along the ancient trade route, a live camel and brightly colored tapestries as far as the eye could see, co-chairmen Pam Caffray, Stephanie Horton, Sharon Phillips, Terri Walker and Susan Yonce created an authentic oasis celebrating the best of the east.

Before an international feast prepared by Nisa Lee Chef & Caterer, guests mingled in the "Hookah Lounge" while listening to the soothing sounds of Moroccan musicians. A snake charmer, belly dancers, andhenna artists, Tarot card readers also entertained the crowd and added to the ambiance. As the night wore on, DJ David Chang kept the dance floor packed by spinning an eclectic mix of party tunes.

Hosted by Barbara Netter at the Stamford offices of Geneve Holdings, the Silk Road benefit raised more than $520,000 for the agency's 30 human service and education programs.

Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 1,400 professionals and trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and the Alliance for Children and Families and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.