Honorary Chairperson
Donna Ayer

As the 14th Annual Calvanese Gala Ball and Auction’s Honorary Chairperson, Donna is honored to work closely with the Calvanese Foundation which supports so many wonderful organizations which Donna has been a part of for the past 26 years.  She moved to Southington in 1986 after graduating from the University of Connecticut and accepting a position as a special education teacher with the Southington Board of Education.

 
Donna has worked as a professional director at the Southington Community YMCA for the past 24 years in various positions including:  Director of Youth, Teen and Family Programs, Camp Sloper Director, Child Care Director, Membership and Marketing Director, and most recently as Community Development Director.  In this role, Donna works to ensure that the Y is able to provide financial assistance to everyone who needs a helping hand to participate at our Y. 

Donna has been a volunteer big sister with the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, board member at Southington ARC, advocate for special education, and director for the St. Thomas School Board.  She is a founding member of Leading Ladies which runs an annual women’s event and has donated over $XXX,000 in the past 12 years to programs for girls and women in Southington.  Donna is an active member of Mary Our Queen Church where she provides leadership for the Youth Ministry and Vacation Bible School programs.  She is also a volunteer for Southington Community Services and a committee member of the Calvanese Gala. 

Donna resides in Southington with her wonderful husband and amazing children Maisey and Ross.