The Community Fund Of Darien Raises More Than $225K At 75th Anniversary Fundraiser

DARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien recently marked its 75th anniversary with Designed to Dine, a daylong fundraising event that drew more than 550 guests and raised more than $225,000 to support nonprofits serving residents in Stamford, Norwalk and Darien.

The event included an Afternoon Tea and an Evening Celebration, featuring 31 tablescapes created by local interior designers, florists, artisans and decorative brands.

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Proceeds will support the organization’s annual grants to nonprofits providing food access, housing, physical and mental healthcare, employment skills programs, youth success initiatives and emergency services.

"We were honored to be part of Designed to Dine," said Viviane Herde of Nielsen’s Florist, in a news release. "The event was truly over the top, and the tables were exquisite. We look forward to participating each year."

The Afternoon Tea featured guest speaker Cece Bowman of Cece Bowman Interiors, who discussed her approach to design, including the use of color, layering and personal details.

"It’s especially meaningful to participate in Designed to Dine for the first time while returning to Connecticut both personally and professionally," Bowman said in a news release. "I grew up in Salisbury, CT, and attended Trinity College in Hartford, so I spent much of my life here. As I expand my business to include a Connecticut office this summer, it feels like a full-circle moment in my career. The community is tight-knit, creative, and deeply supportive, and it has been rewarding to give back through The Community Fund."

The Evening Celebration honored Darien resident and Grants Director Lisa Haas for 20 years of service to the organization.

Haas previously served as a volunteer and board member and now oversees the grantmaking process, including annual distributions exceeding $790,000. She also leads the Youth Community Fund program.

Reflecting on her two decades with the organization, Haas noted "how deeply people in Darien care about their community."

"We are grateful for the success of this year’s Designed to Dine," said Maggie Domont, executive director of The Community Fund. "To celebrate 75 years of neighbors helping neighbors alongside so many members of our community is meaningful. The extra funds raised will support local nonprofits meeting the basic needs of our neighbors."

Grants funded through the event will be awarded in July during The Community Fund’s Grant Awards Celebration, scheduled for July 15 at The Meadowlands. The event is free and open to the public.

Designed to Dine was led by this year’s chairs Erin Eblen, Brandi Maniscalco, and Kristine Miller; Afternoon Tea Committee leads Lynne Andren and Lindsay Rogers; and Evening Celebration Committee leads Tara Moss and Sandi Sufrin.

Committee members included Lauren Carlson, Chelsea Clifford, Demi Ferraris, Kate Garvin, Christine Gaze Talwalkar, Colleen Grim, Kerrie Kelley, Kristen Lutz, Jennifer McDonald Leahy, Whitney McNell, Katherine Nedelkoff Ritchie, Karen Polett, Neenu Sharma, and Rica Wyman.

Tablescapes were created by 31 designers and brands.

Photos from the event can be found here.