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Darien Police, Darien YMCA Jointly Holding Community Blood Drive May 6 at the Y

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The Darien Police Department, in partnership with the Darien YMCA will host a community blood drive at the YMCA in honor of Quinn Waters, known across the South Shore of Massachusetts as “The Mighty Quinn.”

— an announcement from the Darien YMCA

Quinn, 5, has spent much of his life battling brain cancer. He gained local notoriety in Massachusetts over the last several months as his hometown and beyond followed his journey. Following the recent news that his cancer has returned, the family has asked for one thing: blood donations. His mom, Officer Tara Waters with the Quincy Police Department said, “During his sickest times, Quinn needed multiple platelet transfusions a day, showing us how critical blood donations are.”

In response to the family’s request, the Darien Police Department, along with the Darien YMCA have scheduled a blood drive on May 6, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Darien YMCA at 2420 Post Road, Darien. For more information or to make an appointment to donate, sign up online with sponsor code “Quinn” or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make your appointment.

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Bicycles Darien Scouts Online Mega-Auction.

Darien Scouts Still Seek Donations for Online Mega-Auction: Clutter for You, Treasures for Others

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As you are doing your Spring cleaning this year, please consider donating items to the Darien Scouts Online Mega-Auction. — an announcement from Darien Scouts

Seeking new or gently-used, clean, “auction-ready” items including indoor and outdoor furniture, bicycles, sporting goods, artwork, jewelry, vintage and antique collectibles, toys, lawn and garden items, tools, lawnmowers, snowblowers, electronics, and musical instruments. Darien Scouts also takes cars, boats, and motorcycles in any condition throughout the year. So please sort through your clutter and Send It to the Scouts! Items can be dropped off at the Scout Cabin at 140 West Ave.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Bartlett Arboretum Gala 2021

‘Broadway at the Bartlett’ Gala Fundraiser This Wednesday for Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens

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Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is holding a virtual gala fundraiser, “Broadway at the Bartlett,” on Wednesday night, March 31, hosted by Chuck Scarborough of NBC 4 New York, and featuring a silent auction and the Broadway cast of “Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations.” — an announcement from the Bartlett Arboretum
Tickets for the online event, which runs from 6:50 to 7:30 p.m., are priced anywhere from “a donation of your choosing” to $500, which “includes a complimentary bottle of wine or spirits, two stemless wine glasses and a charcuterie board for two DELIVERED to your home within 10 miles of the Bartlett. Choose from Josh Cabernet Sauvignon, Josh Prosecco or Luksusowa Vodka.” “Please view our silent auction items, which will open on [Saturday] March 27 and close at 8 p.m. on March 31,” the organizers said on Bartlett’s website. “Please consider a donation to our ‘paddle raise’ this year, which is to make the Herb Garden accessible for all abilities. This includes widening and replacing the pathways to connect with those of the Sensory Garden.”

Charity Events and Opportunities

Darien VFW Member: Vets Group ‘in Serious Jeopardy of Being Insolvent,’ Wreaths Across America Needs Help, Too

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To the editor:

The pandemic has hit hard many individuals, organizations, and causes across Connecticut this year. As a member of the [Darien] VFW and the site coordinator for Wreaths Across America, I can attest that both are struggling significantly. Wreaths Across America normally raises the majority of funds for Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery through retail collecting at various locations by the Darien VFW. This year, it did not make sense for elderly veterans to unnecessarily be exposed to getting the COVID virus. Currently, we have raised enough funds to provide for only 149 wreaths.

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Matt Blumenthal contributed photo

Pacific House Homeless Shelter Holds FREE Virtual Gala This Saturday, Oct 16

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For 35 years Pacific House has worked to end homelessness in Fairfield County, and the organization is throwing a virtual gala on Oct. 16 to celebrate. The community is invited to the FREE, online event hosted by Rep. Matt Blumenthal, and will feature moving stories of hope and shining examples of the significant impact that Pacific House has had on our community for more than three decades. Pacific House
Intertwined with the growth of Stamford, Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan, Pacific House, based in Stamford, developed from a makeshift basement shelter in 1982 to address a growing homelessness issue, to a leader in ending homelessness in our region. Today the organization provides the only regional shelter for men and young adult men in lower Fairfield County and helps to house hundreds of neighbors in need each year.

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Wide thumbnail for Facebook Americares Airlift Benefit 2020 Tony Goldwyn Jackie Cruz

Americares ‘Airlift Benefit’ to Livestream on Saturday, Oct 3

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Actor, director, producer and Americares board member Tony Goldwyn and actor and musician Jackie Cruz will co-host the Americares Airlift Benefit livestream on Saturday, Oct. 3. — an announcement from Americares

The annual benefit celebrates the organization’s life-changing health programs in more than 90 countries and the health workers and partners who make them happen. Americares supports more than 4,000 health centers worldwide with transformative health projects and donations of medicine, improving the health of millions of people in need every year. This year’s benefit will honor frontline health workers—the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic—and take Americares supporters on a unique virtual journey to see the organization’s work in Colombia, Jordan, Liberia, Malawi, the Philippines and the United States.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Community Dinner for a Cause Community Fund of Darien Fall 2020

You Can Place an Order by 4 PM Wednesday for Community Fund of Darien’s ‘Dinner for a Cause’

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The Community Fund of Darien invites you to join others in dining “together” at home on Saturday, Oct. 3 for TCF’s fourth ‘Community Dinner for a Cause’ event. But to join in, you’ve got to place your order by 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the TCF website. The fundraiser supports programs to strengthen the Darien community.

Charity Events and Opportunities
JoyRide spin class outdoors

JoyRide Spin Classes This Weekend to Benefit Disabled STAR Inc. Clients

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JoyRide is generously teaming up with STAR Inc., Lighting the Way to offer weekend spin classes to raise money benefiting local individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. — an announcement from STAR Inc. and JoyRide

All donations will be matched 100% by an anonymous donor. If you have never tried spinning — here is your fun, inclusive opportunity in a no judgment zone! The event is open to the public. Cost is $50 per rider payable to STAR Inc. at the door.

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Wildfire California 2020

Americares Dedicates $2.5 Million in Medicine, Relief Supplies for Wildfire Victims in Western States

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Americares has committed $2.5 million in aid for the wildfires raging throughout the western United States. Americares support will include critically needed medicine and relief supplies valued at $2 million plus at least $500,000 in financial support for families and health care centers in affected areas. — an announcement from Americares

The record blazes have scorched millions of acres of land, blanketed the region with hazardous smoke, displaced tens of thousands of people and led to more than 30 deaths. With over 100 wildfires burning throughout the West Coast, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle have all experienced “unhealthy” air quality during the last week, prompting one monitoring organization to declare those cities as having the worst air quality in the world. In California, where smoke particles colored the skies red and orange, more than 3.3 million acres have burned, with six of the state’s 20 largest wildfires in history occurring this year alone.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Promotional image for Mission: Possible from the Community Fund of Darien

Gather a Group and Compete in ‘Mission: Possible’, Community Fund of Darien’s One-Week Contest

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The Community Fund of Darien’s invites groups of friends and family members to compete in the TCF’s inaugural “community chase” competition, “Mission: Possible!” The contest supports local nonprofits. Looking for a way to connect with friends and family while supporting our community at the same time?  Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to join the TCF’s virtual competition for teams of all ages. Mission: Possible! is a fun-filled, socially distanced event that will take place the week of Sept.

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Americares in Peru COVID-19 2020 Coronavirus 2020

Americares Helps Peru Fight COVID-19 Surge

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Patients receive medical care, including COVID-19 testing, at an Americares and VIDA Perú mobile clinic in Lima, Peru, on Aug. 29. Photo by Angela Ponce/Americares. Stamford-based Americares is providing “surge” medical support in Peruvian health facilities overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The health-focused relief and development organization is dispatching medical personnel, all of which are locally based and have experience working within the health system, to health centers in Lambayeque, Lima and Piura to meet the increase in demand for care and provide the struggling health system with some relief as the coronavirus pushes health center capacity to the brink.

Charity Events and Opportunities
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Darien Scouts Hold Benefit Auction Offering Family Fun

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Darien Scouting is holding its first ever online benefit auction open to the whole community and featuring a wide range of local services and experiences for individuals and families. — an announcement from Darien Scouting

To bid, visit 32auctions.com/DarienScouting now to check out the items available. New items are added daily so bidders are encouraged to visit often. Highlights include outdoor activities such as golfing, fishing, kayaking, tennis and paddleboarding; opportunities for teens to train with college athletes; art parties, cooking lessons, and music instruction for kids; a personalized historical tour of Darien; memberships to the Beardsley Zoo, Maritime Aquarium, and Stamford Nature Center; home and self-care packages; yoga and fitness training; photography sessions, and more. Proceeds from the auction will go to Darien Scouting, which offers programs for boys and girls grades K-12.

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Drive-Thru Food Drive P2P Person-to-Person

Drive-Thru Food Drive at Person-to-Person on Saturday Organized by Darien Junior Football League

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The Darien Junior Football League ready to tackle hunger at its Drive-Thru Food Drive at Person-to-Person this Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1964 Post Road in Darien. — an announcement from Person-to-Person

“The drive-thru food drive takes teamwork to be successful and teaches valuable lessons to our athletes that transcend the game of football,” DJFL organizers told the players in preparation for the drive. “To this end, we are asking each of you to help where you can to make this a successful and rewarding event for all and most importantly collect much needed non-perishable food items for those in need.” The food drive will provide an opportunity for these young athletes to give back to those in need, practice teamwork, and make a real difference for other kids and families in Lower Fairfield County. Donations can be brought to 1864 Post Road in Darien (behind St.

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Community Dinner for a Cause wide Facebook

Final ‘Community Dinner for a Cause’ on June 20 to Support Community Fund Mental Health Programs

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The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) invites all residents to join in the final evening of our “Community Dinner for a Cause” series on Saturday, June 20 to help improve the quality of life for our community. — an announcement from the Community Fund of Darien
Proceeds from this dinner will support mental health programs.  The first two dinners raised nearly $27,000 to fight food insecurity and benefit the homeless population. Order a family meal prepared by the Darien Butcher Shop, which includes a bottle of wine and a craft beer provided by SipStirs, and the Community Fund of Darien will direct half your purchase to their local nonprofit partners providing mental health programs. TCF will provide free contact-less, doorstep delivery of your meal on Saturday, June 20th between 4 and 5 p.m.
The $150/per family (feeds 4-6) purchase, prepared by The Darien Butcher Shop, includes:

Dry-Rubbed, Smoked Beef Brisket and Herb-Roasted Chicken Legs & Thighs

Tomato salad with cucumber, celery, avocado, chickpeas & fresh herb vinaigrette

DBS’s Signature Macaroni and Cheese -OR- choose Gluten-Free Meal Option to receive DBS potato salad

Corn on the Cob, with butter

Strawberry Cake: yellow sponge cake with lemon curd, frosting and a side of strawberries in syrup -OR- choose Gluten-Free Meal Option to receive lacherin: layers of whipped cream, berries, lemon curd and meringue

Bottle of wine and a craft beer provided by SipStirs

Plus:  1 Raffle Ticket for a chance to win one of six family-friendly, outdoor games: giant Jenga, Kubb, USA cornhole set, KanJam, Spikeball or giant Connect-4! Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at www.communityfunddarien.org. Enjoy on Saturday evening, or save your meal for Father’s Day on Sunday!  Together, we can strengthen our community.

Charity Events and Opportunities

OPUS for Person-to-Person Launches ‘Balloons for Families’ Campaign

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It is an annual tradition for a sea of red balloons to decorate Darien mailboxes every spring. In the past, these balloons, placed by members of OPUS for Person-to-Person, have signified support of P2P’s campership program, which sends over 400 children from low-income households to summer camp every summer. But this year, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, everything is different. — an announcement from OPUS for Person-to-Person

With continued uncertainty about the duration of the COVID-19 crisis and with social distancing protocols potentially impacting the full operation of summer camp providers, P2P has had to keep their annual campership program on hold until there is more clarity about what the summer will hold. What is certain is that the families of the 400 children who would have been eligible for the program this summer are the most vulnerable in our community and have been the most disproportionately impacted by this crisis.