Lucky Couple wins at Long Wharf Theatre Auction
By Francesca Turchiano

On June 10, the legendary, award-winning Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven held its
annual gala benefit auction. Organizers’ expectations were near dismal given the depth
and pervasiveness of the country’s economic hardship. On the auction block was a single,
summer night on our town, Norfolk. Bidders’ interest ran deep. No kidding.
Assembly of the auction package began a few weeks earlier when the gala committee
chair, a New Haven bank president, expressed interest in offering a weekend in Norfolk
and assigned the challenge to another member. With some trepidation, the committee
member phoned a friend of a friend of a friend, a Norfolk resident, seeking help and some
background information about the town. This committee member had recently heard
that Norfolk was a “nowhere town, with nothing to do,” a common perception among
unfamiliar urbanites. And, little did she know of the astounding counter-cyclical boom
that Norfolk is experiencing without compromising its peace, quiet or land.
The package, which will be enjoyed by the winning twosome on August 15, was made
possible by the largesse of Jim Nelson of the Norfolk Music Festival, who donated two
orchestra seats to the Tokyo String Quartet; Dan Hincks and Isabelle Menozzi of Infinity
Hall, who donated a $100 gift certificate for a pre-theatre dinner feast; Keith Mullins,
who donated a night at Manor House, one singular sensation, with Sunday breakfast
included; and Justin Vagliano and Warren Carter who delivered one gorgeous bottle of
champagne for toasting. Of course, there’ll be a few copies of Norfolk Now in the room,
some trail maps, and just enough other information to tempt our guests to return and to
spread the very good word. It’s certainly out in New Haven.