Celebrating All Things Connecticut at the MxCC Foundation’s Red Moon Fest

The Middlesex Community College Foundation hosts the Red Moon Fest on September 12, marking the fourth year the Foundation has celebrated all things “grown, made and created in Connecticut.”  This fundraising celebration, which will take place on the College’s Middletown campus, benefits MxCC students and programs. The event starts at 6 p.m. in the College’s new Pavilion at Founders Hall with a cocktail hour featuring local beers, wines, and artisanal foods, along with a silent auction and entertainment.  It then moves over to Chapman Hall for heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a live auction.  For full details, and to purchase tickets ($75 each), visit mxcc.edu/redmoon. 

Honorary co-chairs and goodwill ambassadors for this year’s fest are Carrie Carella from NoRA Cupcake Company and Phil Ouellette of Eli Cannon’s Tap Room. Both are credited with helping revitalize Middletown’s NoRA district (previously known as the North End) – and serve as inspiring examples of the importance of building a community.

As co-owner Eli Cannon’s Tap Room – which was named Business of the Year by the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce – Phil has been an important part of Middletown’s business and social scene for more than 20 years.  He is an active member at the Chamber and its mentoring program, and has served on the board of directors for the Connecticut Restaurant Association. Phil received the Middletown Design Award from the city, and has been recognized by Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his contributions to the local community. 

 

Carrie Carella, who took courses at Middlesex Community College while pursuing her many degrees, established the award-winning NoRA Cupcake Company in 2012 along with business partner Phil Ouelette.  The idea for this company came to her while working for 15 years as Eli Cannon’s Tap Room’s general manager.  She credits Phil for helping develop her marketing and customer service skills, along with a sharp business acumen – key elements to being successful in the highly competitive and crowded food service industry.