The West Hartford Mayor's Charity Ball Announces New Partnership With DORO Catering & Events

DORO Catering & Events will serve as the official caterer for the 2018 Mayor's Charity Ball on May 12 at West Hartford Town Hall. Headed by restauranteur Dorjan Puka, DORO Catering & Events is the catering arm of the award winning DORO Restaurant Group. Puka has become a fixture in the West Hartford restaurant scene. With partner Scott Miller, Puka operates three successful restaurants in town - Treva Restaurant & Bar, Avert Brasserie and Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen, as well as a growing catering business. DORO Catering & Events joins Taylor Rental of Manchester, which has been an Event Sponsor for the Mayor's Charity Ball since 2011.

The fundraising gala benefits two local charities, the Playhouse on Park and The Town That Cares. Proceeds from last year's event covered important operating expenses for Playhouse youth programming, and helped The Town That Cares meet a significant uptick in requests for the Food Pantry.

"We are thrilled to be involved with the West Hartford Mayor's Charity Ball," said Puka. "Our restaurants have been part of the West Hartford landscape for eight years, and we provide employment for over 150 highly skilled restaurant professionals."

In addition to the restaurants, DORO Catering & Events has catered numerous events in private homes and businesses in West Hartford, and has hosted farm dinners at Westmoor Park. He and his team enjoy giving back to the community.

Miller also expressed excitement about the partnership. "DORO Restaurant Group has a strong history of helping many local charities and fund raisers by donating gift cards and auction items," said Miller. "We are firmly established in West Hartford and are proud of our community involvement.

We have enjoyed critical acclaim from our guests who appreciate our focus on high quality, fresh, seasonal foods, beverages and superior service. In addition to the businesses that we operate in West Hartford, we both reside in West Hartford, our children attend or have attended West Hartford public schools and our families are involved in and support many civic activities."

Guests of the Mayor's Charity Ball will dine on an array of delicious homemade fare, showcasing the flavors and styles specific to each DORO Group restaurant. Passed hors d'oeuvres include truffle-scented chevre and asparagus arancini, lemongrass duck satay, and lamb meatballs with smoked eggplant puree. In addition, reception stations showcase a selection of cured Italian charcuterie and artisanal cheese, and a Taste of Zohara - the newest DORO Group endeavor - boasting a fresh and authentic taste of the Mediterranean cuisine. A three course dinner will follow, featuring mesquite roasted angus New York strip steak and fennel dusted sea bass.

Tickets for the Mayor's Charity Ball on May 12 are now on sale, at $200 per person. Guests may also purchase a table for 10 at $2,000. The night includes an open bar during the cocktail reception, a silent and live auction, entertainment, live music and dancing. To learn more about the beneficiaries of The Mayor's Charity ball, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.themayorscharityball.org.