Charity Events and Opportunities
Kids with Darien Book Aid books

Darien Book Aid Is Asking for Contributions to Help It Raise $5,000 for a Matching Grant

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A “generous donor” has offered a matching gift to Darien Book Aid if the local nonprofit can raise $5,000 in May, so the organization is asking supporters to help reach that goal. “We are more than halfway to our goal,” Peggy Twitchell, president of the organization, said in a fundraising email sent out on Thursday, the half-way point of the month. “Thank you to those of you who have already given. Your doubled gift will impact the educational outcomes of so many individuals who currently don’t have access to important resources,” Twitchell wrote. She reminded supporters that Darien Book Aid is  a 501(c)(3) nonprofit “with the highest-level ‘Four-Star’ rating from Charity Navigator,” Charity Navigator is a charity assessment organization that evaluates hundreds of thousands of U.S. nonprofits.

Teens

Before Friday’s DHS Jr Prom, Thriving Youth Darien and Police Publicize Law and Risks of Underage Drinking

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With Darien’s Junior Prom on Friday and graduation right around the corner, Thriving Youth Darien and the Darien Police Department are reminding teens and their parents to do so responsibly and legally. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien
Connecticut’s Social Host Law holds parents and property owners liable for underage drinking and/or cannabis use that occurs in their homes. A person convicted of violating this law may be fined up to $2,000 and receive up to one year in jail. According to Thriving Youth Darien’s 2023 Youth Survey, 69% of high-school aged youth believed it would be sort of or very easy to access alcohol, and 53% report getting alcohol from an adult or parent with their permission. ‘Sticker Shock Campaign’ for Safety
To address these concerning findings, Youth representatives from Thriving Youth Darien, The Community Fund of Darien’s Youth Asset Team, and The Depot’s Students Against Destructive Decisions group and Volunteer Club are conducting a “sticker-shock campaign.”

Charity Events and Opportunities
Event Committee Rock N Raise 2024 Person to Person fundraiser

Area Nonprofits Announce How Much They Received from Recent Fundraisers

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Some results of three recent fundraising events for two area nonprofits were recently made public. Some information was released about what was gathered or how many volunteers participated:
Person to Person: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

“This year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive [on Saturday, May 11], sponsored by Cuisinart and Conair, was a major success, with letter carriers collecting over 40,000 pounds of food for P2P’s food pantries. The effort was supported by more than 200 volunteers on the day, plus additional help throughout the week sorting donations. This strong volunteer effort was key to the drive’s success, reflecting the community’s dedication to combating food insecurity and aiding local families. Thanks to everyone who donated and volunteered!

Charity Events and Opportunities
Live Girl Fundraising event 10-year anniversary

Tickets on Sale Now for LiveGirl Fundraiser, with Cocktails, Dinner and Live Music

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LiveGirl, a New Canaan-based nonprofit set up to support girls, will hold a fundraising event with entertainment at Stamford Nature Center. – an announcement (PDF here) from LiveGirl

The event includes cocktails from an open bar, a farm-to-table dinner, special guests and live music. With the fundraising event,”LiveGirl commemorates a decade of impact and looks toward the future,” the announcement said. The announcement continued:

“Guests at the celebration will enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the importance of sustainable and healthy eating. “In addition to indulging in delicious farm-to-table cuisine, attendees will be treated to soul-moving performances by talented musician Wass, Broadway singer Brennyn Lark, Spoken Word Artist She Will Speak, and DJ That Dana Game.

Community Fund of Darien 2024
Welcome to town TCF Darien newcomers gathering

Are You New in Town Since January 2020? You’re Invited to a Gathering of Newcomers

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Are you new to Darien? Do you know someone who is? New Darien neighbors are invited by the Community Fund of Darien to a fun and informative gathering to discover what makes Darien so special. — an announcement from The Community Fund of Darien

Hear from current residents who will share their favorite spots and stories, and mingle with others who are new. Drinks & light bites are provided by by Palmer’s Market.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Darien Book Aid photo

All Money Donations to Darien Book Aid in May Will be Matched, Dollar for Dollar

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Darien Book Aid announced Wednesday that this month all donations will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a total amount of $5,000. — an announcement from Darien Book Aid

This generous match from an anonymous donor honors our 75th Anniversary and will provide us with much needed funds to ship books to Peace Corps Volunteers around the world. You can donate online, here. Since Peace Corps Volunteers returned to service last year, we have received more than 320 Peace Corps book donation requests. PCVs need the books to set up libraries, literacy clubs, and English language lessons, among other activities.

Seniors
Sandwich Generation panel discussion

Panel to Discuss Helping Elderly Parents with Wills, Healthcare, Selling a Home and More on Thursday Night

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The DCA invites to an evening of guidance for the Sandwich Generation —those caring for parents while caring for children — and beyond. The discussion, which is free, takes place Thursday evening, May 2, at the Darien Community Association. Learn from a panel of local senior experts and connect with others who are navigating similar responsibilities and challenges as we face complex life transitions ahead. On the discussion panel will be:

• Michael LaMagna — LNHA, MPA, JD, Attorney at Law with LaMagna McKenna

• Anne McGuire — RN, CCM, founder, Healthcare Pathfinder

• Michele Ranieri — community sales director, Atria Darien

• Deirdre Robbins McGovern — seniors real estate specialist (SRES) with Compass

• Andrea Ruby — downsizing expert, founder & CEO, Living Forward Move Management

If You’re Going … The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the panel presentation with Q&A from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Meadowland headquarters of the Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Road.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Women of Distinction 2024 YWCA Darien Norwalk

Women of Distinction Gala Fundraiser for YWCA of Darien/Norwalk

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For the 15th anniversary of Women of Distinction, the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk invites you to spend the evening of Wednesday, May 8, at Shorehaven Golf Club, honoring the inspiring achievements of women who shaped our community. — an announcement from the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk

Enjoy a cocktail hour as you connect with fellow guests, past honorees and learn more about the stories of remarkable Women of Distinction throughout the years. Laugh your way through dinner while enjoying a hilarious comedy show. Try your chance at winning amazing prizes with our raffles and silent auction. This year, instead of selecting a new set of honorees, the event will reflect on the achievements of all those honored throughout the past 15 years.

Parents & Kids
Poster for Childhood 2.0 documentary

Smartphones, Social Media and Your Kids: See ‘Childhood 2.0’ Followed by Q&A Tuesday at Darien Library

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Issues confronting kids in the Digital Age, including cyberbullying, suicidal ideation and online predators, are the subject of a documentary, “Childhood 2.0,” followed by a question-and-answer session this Tuesday, April 22 at Darien Library. The event is jointly sponsored by the library, OK To Delay Darien, Darien Depot and Thriving Youth Darien this Tuesday evening, April 22. — an announcement from Darien Library
6 to 7:45 p.m. — Watch the documentary
The film, just under 90 minutes long, will be shown in the Community Room. If you are unable to attend the screening, you can watch the film ahead of time (see links, below) and attend the Q&A portion. The library’s announcement says “‘Childhood 2.0’ is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age.

Community Organizations
Kalel Attonito wins DAR essay contests

Hindley Fifth Grader Wins Daughters of the American Revolution Local, State, NE Division Essay Contests

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Kalel Attonito, a Hindley School fifth grade student, won First Place in the local essay contest sponsored by Darien’s Good Wife’s River Chapter, Inc. Daughters of the American Revolution.But that was only the beginning. — an announcement from the Good Wife’s River Chapter of the DAR

Kalel went on to win the Connecticut DAR statewide contest for fifth graders. In early April, Kalel was announced as the winner of the NE Division Fifth Grade Essay Contest by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The NE Division is comprised of fifth grade students from Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. For his essay Kalel was asked to imagine he was a reporter for The Philadelphia Times on May 14, 1897.

Volunteers
Darien Volunteer Awards 2024

These 39 Volunteers to Be Honored by The Community Fund of Darien on April 30 — and You’re Invited

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The Community Fund of Darien invites the community to celebrate 39 Darien residents who are being recognized Tuesday, April 30, for their outstanding volunteer efforts. — an announcement from The Community Fund of Darien (TCF)
You’re Invited
This year, The Community Fund of Darien will honor 39 of Darien’s extraordinary volunteers on Tuesday, April 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the Darien Community Association’s Garden Wing Room. All are welcome. You can RSVP to the event organizers here. Thanking These Thirty-Nine

Honorees, who must be Darien residents, will be awarded in the following categories: Outstanding Adult Volunteer (19-64 years), Outstanding Emerging Volunteer (18 years and younger), Outstanding New Volunteer, Outstanding Senior Volunteer (65 years and older), and Outstanding Volunteer Duo.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Rock N' Raise fundraiser poster 2024

‘Rock N’ Raise’ Fundraiser on Thursday, April 4 to Benefit Person to Person’s Efforts to Aid Area Needy

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Person to Person, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families in lower Fairfield County, has announced its upcoming fundraising event, “Rock N’ Raise,” on April 4 at The Loading Dock in Stamford. — an announcement from Person to Person (P2P)

The funds raised through the event will contribute to P2P’s mission to support families and individuals as they move toward stability with healthy food, clothing, housing assistance and a path to economic opportunity. The event will include expertly crafted cocktails, a plated dinner by Abigail Kirsch, and high-energy music from The Nerds, a premier cover band from New Jersey. Ck Swett will be there to keep the crowd entertained and lead a paddle raise. P2P aims to make Rock N’ Raise a fun and engaging evening with a purpose, bringing together entertainment and a celebration of compassion and community spirit.

Community Organizations
Abilis Stamford Courthouse Cafe opens

Abilis Opens New Courthouse Cafe at Stamford Superior Court

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Abilis, the nonprofit organization providing services and support to more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families, has opened the new Abilis Courthouse Café in the Stamford Superior Court courthouse. — an announcement from Abilis

The Abilis Courthouse Café is open to the public, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the courthouse at 123 Hoyt St. in Stamford. “To be selected by the Stamford Superior Courthouse, which is a very high-traffic venue, is really validating that our competitive employment program for adults with disabilities is a great model that more organizations are excited to embrace,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. The new Abilis Courthouse Café will employ Abilis community members, along with job coaches and a manager.

Charity Events and Opportunities
DVCC Voices of Courage luncheon fundraiser 2024

Domestic Violence Center’s Spring Luncheon Honors Advocate on May 16 at Tokeneke Club

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The Domestic Violence Crisis Center’s 22nd Annual Voices of Courage Spring Luncheon takes place May 16 at the Tokeneke Club in Darien, and tickets are on sale now. The keynote speaker will be Michelle Horton, whose journey into advocacy for domestic violence victims when her sister, Nikki Addimondo, was incarcerated and initially sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for defending herself against her abuser. Addimondo’s sentence was later reduced, and she was released in January, after an appeals court said she proved her claims of abuse. — an announcement from the Domestic Violence Crisis Center

Voices of Courage luncheon attendees will hear Michelle’s compelling narrative, followed by a conversation with Suzanne Adam, CEO of DVCC. Michelle Horton’s life took an unexpected turn in September 2017 when her sister was jailed for shooting her partner.

Community Organizations
State Rep. Corey Paris

State Rep Corey Paris Named Person to Person’s ‘Chief Impact Officer’

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Person to Person, a nonprofit organization providing resources and support to individuals and families in lower Fairfield County, on Monday announced it has appointed state Rep. Corey Paris its “chief impact officer.” — an announcement from Person to Person (P2P)
In this newly created role, Paris, who represents the 145th legislative district on the West Side section of Stamford, will bring his experience in fundraising, advocacy and government relations to drive forward P2P’s philanthropic initiatives. Through its programs and services, P2P addresses food insecurity, financial assistance, and educational opportunities. Paris will support P2P’s strategic plan to expand services and meet an increased demand for assistance, ensuring the organization’s growth aligns with its vision of thriving, hunger-free homes. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for social impact to advance P2P’s commitment to providing essential resources, empowering individuals and families to achieve economic stability,” Paris said.