To the editor:
Growing up as a minority in a big city can be extremely limiting; readers know this from the news. College can be a difficult target to reach. But the Darien community again and again opens their hearts, homes and wallets to help the young women of A Better Chance in Darien achieve their collegiate goals. The success of last Saturday night’s College Tailgate Gala was further evidence of this support.
Event Chair Denise Cara and Auction Chair Amy Zabetakis were truly inspirational, with seemingly unlimited time and energy for the event. Their volunteer committee – Robin Ackerman, M’Liss Conetta, Dianne Covello, Michele Donzeiser, Sarah Edwards, Sandy Filmer, Sarah Mead, Marcia Meinerth, Sara Parent, Caroline Platt, Heather Pommernelle, Katherine Samy, Nancy Stein, Elizabeth Svedlund and Susan Wilson – also used their creativity, connections and determination in order to organize every last detail.
Thank you to our incredible emcee Dana Tyler whose engaging personality kept the night moving, and auctioneers Scott and Jane Pelley who helped make the auction as lively as the night itself. Thank you to our committed sponsors – Rucci Law Group, Fox Hill Builders, Maplewood at Darien, EC Scott Group, William Pitt Sotheby’s and Wells Fargo – and all the donors of our incredible auction items.
And thank you to our ABC in Darien scholars who participated as helpers and inspirational speakers, and who reminded us why the program is so important.
Lastly, we would like to thank the nearly 250 festively-attired guests that contributed by purchasing tickets and bidding on auction items, sharing their moves on the dance floor to the music of the Short Bus Band, and adding their exuberance to the colorful event.
Thank you again Darien for your support of ABC in Darien. This program would not exist without you.
Sincerely,
Jane Yezzi and Yvette Eenkema van Dijk
ABC in Darien Board Co-Chairs