• Lauren McBride’s Third Annual Gala’s Night Out A Women-Only Charity Gala Benefiting The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services

    Press ReleaseCommunity

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact:
    Melissa Simoni                                                                      
    Director of Development & Marketing, BHcare                     
    msimoni@bhcare.org                                                          
    203-996-8527                                                                                 

    Lauren McBride’s Third Annual Gala’s Night Out
    A Women-Only Charity Gala Benefiting The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services
    Branford, CT – On Saturday, March 28, 2026, women from near and far will gather at Bill Miller’s Castle for the Third Annual Gala’s Night Out, an empowering women-only charity event dedicated to raising awareness and essential funds for The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS), a program of BHcare.
    Over the past two years, Gala’s Night Out has raised more than $34,000 to support survivors of domestic violence. As the event enters its third year, host Lauren McBride and the event committee are determined to exceed that impact ensuring that survivors across Greater New Haven have access to free, confidential services without financial barriers.
    For Lauren, Gala’s Night Out is deeply personal. It is more than fundraising, it is about raising awareness, building community, and ensuring every survivor knows they are supported, believed, and never alone.
    “After my first-year hosting, I was stunned by how many individuals in our community are impacted by domestic violence,” said Lauren McBride. “Gala’s Night Out is my way of turning that awareness into action, bringing women together to support each other.”
    “Through the Looking Glass”
    This year’s theme, Through the Looking Glass, invites guests into an enchanting evening of elegance and empowerment. The celebration will feature:
    • A buffet dinner and cocktails
    • Local women-owned shopping experiences — including flash tattoos, piercing, engraving, and more
    • A curated silent auction
    • Dancing and entertainment
    • Meaningful moments highlighting the impact of UCDVS
    Set against the stunning backdrop of Bill Miller’s Castle, the evening promises to be both unforgettable and impactful blending celebration with purpose.
     
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    About Lauren McBride
    Lauren McBride is the founder of The Lauren McBride Foundation (@laurenmcbridefoundation), a Connecticut-based women’s foundation dedicated to uplifting, protecting, and advocating for women. A longtime lifestyle influencer and community advocate, Lauren uses her platform to support charitable causes and empower women through philanthropy, awareness, and action. She is honored to host Gala’s Night Out for its third consecutive year.
    About The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services
    The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS), a program of BHcare, provides free and confidential services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence throughout the Greater New Haven area. Services include a 24/7 crisis hotline, safety planning, emergency shelter coordination, court advocacy, individual and group counseling, children’s services, and community prevention education.
    Through a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach, UCDVS works to ensure that every individual seeking support is met with compassion, dignity, and access to the resources needed to rebuild their lives safely. The program serves thousands of adults and children each year, offering not only crisis intervention but long-term pathways toward healing and stability.
    For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or media inquiries, please contact Melissa Simoni or Lauren McBride at the information listed above.
    To purchase tickets or learn more about Gala’s Night Out 2026, visit www.galasnightout.com.
     

    Lauren McBride’s Third Annual Gala’s Night Out A Women-Only Charity Gala Benefiting The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services

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