The Community Fund of Darien to Celebrate 46 Local Volunteers

DARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien will recognize 46 local volunteers at its annual celebration on Tuesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Meadowlands at the DCA, 274 Middlesex Road. The event is free and open to the public.

Since its inception in 1979, the Community Fund of Darien has honored more than 880 residents for their contributions to the community. Each February, local nonprofit organizations and the public are invited to nominate individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism.

"Volunteers are the heart of our community, and their dedication strengthens the very fabric of Darien," said Maggie Domont, executive director of The Community Fund of Darien. "Each of these 46 honorees has given selflessly to make a meaningful impact, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions. This feel-good, free event has a history of inspiring others to embrace the spirit of volunteerism and continue making a difference."

Honorees will be recognized in the following categories: Outstanding Adult Volunteer (ages 19-64), Outstanding Emerging Volunteer (18 and younger), Outstanding Senior Volunteer (65+), Outstanding Volunteer Family, Outstanding Volunteer Team, and Outstanding Volunteer Duo.

The event is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens, Bankwell, PURE Insurance, and USI Insurance Services. Brown Harris Stevens has supported the event for more than 20 years, and the Darien Community Association (DCA) is hosting the gathering at its recently renovated facility.

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments while celebrating the honorees alongside friends, family, fellow volunteers, and local nonprofit representatives. The Community Fund of Darien encourages the public to attend and recognize individuals who contribute to strengthening the community.

RSVP to the event by visiting communityfunddarien.org/volunteercelebration. Event is free and open to the public. Space is limited.

This year’s volunteer award honorees:

Outstanding Adult Volunteer

• Francisco Cardona, Saint Joseph Parenting Center
• Erin Cohen, Star, Inc. Lighting the Way
• Henry Decsi, Darien YMCA
• Tara Giblin, YWCA Darien/Norwalk
• Crystal Hill, The Council of Darien School Parents & Darien Soccer Association
• Ania Janis, The Mather Homestead
• Marie Litchfield, Waveny LifeCare Network, New Canaan Thrift Shop
• Natalia Mackenzie, Family Centers
• Brandi Maniscalco, The Community Fund of Darien
• Kirstin Mende, Kids In Crisis
• Marcy Minnick, Inspirica, Inc.
• Ginger Morgan, Youth Community Fund
• Laura Mosher, Darien Book Aid
• Amy Raskopf, Theatre 308
• Meg Ricci, ABC in Darien
• Angela Riley, Darien Library & Person to Person
• Hilary Thompson, The Darien Foundation
• Matthew J. Vossler, Swim Across America

Outstanding Emerging Volunteer

• Caitlin Cronin, Norwalk Stamford Grassroots Tennis & Education
• Grace Curley, Family & Children’s Agency
• Alyssa Medwar, The Tiny Miracles Foundation
• Meaghan Moles, The Darien Depot
• John Wadleigh, Food Rescue US Fairfield County
• Sophie York, Feeding 500

Outstanding Senior Volunteer

• Murat Akgun, Future 5
• Sam Bridges, At Home In Darien
• Juliet Cain, Darien Green Wave, Darien Pollinator Pathway, Darien Land Trust, CT Advocacy for Trees, Garden Club of Darien
• Diane Fuller, SimplifyCT
• Frank Huck, Liberation Programs
• Karen Kreitzberger Polett, Good Wife's River Chapter Inc. National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
• Isabel Negron, The Americares Free Clinic of Stamford

Outstanding Volunteer Duo

• Jessie Glazer & Henrietta Kramer, Darien Community Association
• Sarah Das & Michele Mengwall, Museum of Darien

• David, Geraldine, Julie, and Rocco Genovese, Abilis Inc.

Outstanding Volunteer Team

• Pat Cage, Diane Colechia, Lorraine Collins, Kristine Gould, Chris Hickey, Brigitte Mansourian, Kelly Sapio, Person to Person