It took many helping hands and lots of support , both in terms of funds and encouragement , for the Connecticut Pardon Team to blossom into an organization that helps people reclaim their lives through the pardon process .

On July 19 , many of those supporters were publicly acknowledged at the Second Annual Pig Roast Fundraiser , held at the Lakeside Pavilion in Mohegan Park .

Despite the event’s name , no roasting of pigs actually took place at the pavilion . The meal was prepared and delivered by Pete the Butcher , accompanied by watermelon , potato salad and coleslaw .

Among those receiving plaques for their contributions to the Connecticut Pardon Team’s work was the entire Anderson family , whose members have pitched in with everything from installing wiring for a refrigerator to organizing the avalanche of paperwork that accompanies the team’s work .

Also honored by the Pardon Team’s founder , Jackie Caron , was the Rev . Barbara J . White . Caron recalled that when she approached White to ask for the support of her congregation , “ Without hesitation or the blink of an eye , she said , ‘ You’re showing up at the next meeting , ’ and the next thing youknow , we had a couple of hundred dollars in our pocket ... our church family has been really wonderful . They helped us to move forward , by the grace of God . ”

White said it was the Pardon Team that should be praised . “ Because of them , people’s lives have been changed ... What a blessing to get a second chance ... we are so proud . Continue the good work , and know how much we love you, ” White said .

The awards ceremony was followed by door prizes and a raffle , during which thousands of dollars worth of gift baskets , tickets , trips , services and gift certificates donated by local businesses and civic groups were distributed .

Among the winners was Loretta Wilson from the VFW Auxiliary Post 594 . “ What they do is wonderful , ” she said of the Pardon Team’s work . “ I think there are people who have been so good for so many years, they should be given another chance … and just look at all the good she’s done , ” Wilson said , referring to the fact that Caron herself had received a pardon .

Caron received a pardon before being elected to the Norwich City Council three yearsago . After her own experience with a confusing and disheartening process , she formed an organization to help others who might be eligible for a pardon for past criminal offenses . Criteria for a pardon includes being violation-free for at least five yearsafter the completion of any parole , probation or sentencing .

Wilson said she knew someone who “ made a mistake at 16 ” and later was turned away when he applied for a job at one of the casinos after a background check . “ He never even went to jail , ” Wilson said . “ But he went to her [ Caron ] , and she helped him . ”

More information about the team’s work is available online at the Web site www . connecticutpardonteam . com or by calling ( 860 ) 823-1571 or toll free at 1-866-251-3810 .