First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Anita Donofrio.
About three dozen guests gathered at Bernard’s, just across from the Cass Gilbert fountain, to meet and hear from former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
She spoke about the work of Americans for Responsible Solutions, the organization founded by Ms. Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly.
Ms. Giffords, who entered the dining room at Bernard’s to rousing applause and warm greetings, was joined by Pia Carusone, her former chief of staff and now Executive Director and co-founder of the organization.
Americans for Responsible Solutions seeks to engage Americans in discussion about ways to reduce gun violence in our communities and support local and federal lawmakers who advocate for responsible policies.
Thursday’s event was organized by Anita Donofrio. Ms. Donofrio met Ms. Giffords and Mr. Kelly last year and they bonded over their shared passion of promoting gun reform.
Among those in attendance was Dr. William Begg, the Director of Emergency Medicine at Danbury Hospital. Dr. Begg was on duty in the Emergency Department on Dec. 14, 2012, when the call came in that there had been a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Dr. Begg has testified before Congress as well as the Connecticut legislature, urging them to pass tougher, more sensible gun legislation. At the table with Dr. Begg was Major Stephen Brown of the Ridgefield Police Department, Jenny Davidson, a school teacher from Newtown, and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi.
For more information visit AmericansForResponsibleSolutions.org