Family Celebration Benefits the House

Grace Amarante Hurley wanted to do something really special to celebrate her father’s 50th anniversary of catering. A festive party didn’t seem to be enough for her father, Andy Amarante, who has hosted thousands of weddings and other celebrations at Amarante’s Sea Cliff in New Haven. Grace and her family decided to turn the celebration into a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut.

The Amarantes have been involved with the House for many years. Special Events Coordinator Claire DiMartino reminisced that Andy was always on hand providing food for guests, especially in the early years at the Lights of Love celebrations.

“He wanted to make sure the children had enough food. For him, it was all about the kids.” Andy’s daughter, Grace, is a weekly House volunteer who knows first-hand what it’s like to have a seriously ill child and empathizes with guests.

Months of planning culminated in a gathering of nearly 300 guests at Amarante’s Sea Cliff on a perfectly beautiful evening on September 30. Friends and family enjoyed culinary delights prepared by chefs to honor Andy’s own sense of creativity in the kitchen. A silent auction was another popular attraction for guests.

The extraordinary outpouring of support demonstrated the admiration and affection the community holds for Andy and proved to be a major fundraiser for the House, netting over $17,000.