'Millie's Wish' Being Realized With Non-Profit, Fundraiser Slated

BRANFORD, CT — Carmelina "Millie" Caruso passed away at age 86in 2021. She was a decades-long second grade teacher at Mary R. Tisko School in Branford.

A wife, mother, friend, and teacher, she is described as a "benevolent person who quietly gave back to her community," on the non-profit "Millie's Wish" website. The group works to "keep her legacy going by helping kids in our shoreline communities."

Caruso's wish was that "all students are able to access additional support services to meet academic success."

She believed, according to the non-profit, that financial barriers shouldn't prohibit kids who need tutoring "to meet their highest potential."

Millie’s Wish has three important goals

• Underprivileged children will be provided with tutoring including organization and study skills, SAT prep, college or career counseling including those seeking entrance into the trades. The population to be served will be those who are struggling through learning deficits and/or disabilities.
• To provide college scholarships to students who are otherwise being overlooked, as the bar set is for typical students, not those who have learning barriers.
• To provide social skills' assistance for those who may be diagnosed with Autism, ADHD or other disorders that create barriers for lifelong relationships and career success.

"In honor of Millie Caurso, Millie’s Wish will ensure that all our youth have access to academic, social and emotional support," organizers said.

Millie’s Wish provides tutoring, college scholarships, and assistance in social skills for students with learning disabilities, socioeconomic barriers, and neurodivergent obstacles.

"Millie believed every student deserved to have an education, and we are dedicated to fulfilling her wish," non-profit organizers noted.

This Thursday, a fundraiser for Millie's Wish is slated at Donovan's Reef Restaurant and Catering, located at 1212 Main St. in Branford. The hope is to raise money for scholarships, tutoring, and other student serves.

This is the group's first fundraiser and will include food, drinks, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $50.

Payment can be made in the form of a check made to "Millie's Wish" or you can pay electronically via Venmo, PayPal, etc. Mail check to our location at 80 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405.

Click here to pay online: https://givebutter.com/millieswishfundraiser.