For the second year in a row, Darien and New Canaan will face-off to see which town can capture the title of “Most Generous Town” by raising the most funds for either The Community Fund of Darien or the New Canaan Community Foundation.
Photo from Community Fund of Darien
Executive Directors Lauren Patterson (left, of the New Canaan Community Foundation) and Janet King (right, Community Foundation of Darien) with the annual trophy.
— an announcement from the Community Fund of Darien (captions from Darienite.com)
Last year, Darien won by a slim margin, and both organizations collectively raised nearly $70,000 to support local non-profits. This year, the competition window extends from the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving Day until midnight on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Donors can contribute to The Community Fund of Darien by texting 06820 to 44321 during this time period or by visiting www.communityfunddarien.org any time of year.
The winning town will own the “Turkey Trophy” and bragging rights for the year, and their residents will take pride in the knowledge that their community makes charitable giving a priority.
Cropped view of CFD photo
Um, excuse me — could we please get a closer look at that trophy. You call it the Giving Tuesday Most Generous Town Award. That’s what’s written on it. OK. But I’m a little more interested in that figure on top. The little golden guy, yeah … Could we get even closer?
Inspired by Giving Tuesday, the post-Thanksgiving global day of giving that kicks off the holiday charity season, the two organizations created the event as a way for the towns to harness their residents’ competitive spirit to benefit our neighbors in need.
Many local businesses will get in on the action by donating a percentage of sales from that day to The Community Fund of Darien. This much-needed financial support addresses critical local needs such as homelessness, hunger, mental and physical health, substance abuse, youth services and more.
Closeup from a photo from Community Fund of Darien
Thanks. That’s it. It’s a turkey. Kinda fat legs, small tail, but that’s OK. It’s a Golden Turkey. It’s the Golden Turkey Trophy. The Grand Golden Gobbler Award for Tryptophanic Philanthropy!
The “Most Generous Town” competition hopes to become synonymous with the legendary Turkey Bowl in the coming years. No matter who takes the title this year, it’s a win for both towns and the Fairfield County non-profits that will benefit from the dollars raised.
Founded in 1951, The Community Fund of Darien is a highly respected nonprofit that plays a significant role in addressing health and human service needs in Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford through strategic leadership and grantmaking.
Funding goals prioritize basic needs, self-sufficiency, youth success, and community initiatives. Since its inception, The Community Fund of Darien has distributed over $20 million to local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.