The Community Fund Of Darien's 'Designed To Dine Luncheon' Raises Over $200K

DARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien's Designed to Dine luncheon raised more than $200,000, the organization has announced.

The event was held on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Wee Burn Country Club and drew a sold-out crowd that was inspired by the creativity and talents of local designers showcased in their unique tablescapes.

"Designed to Dine has become a signature event that celebrates the power of creativity and the strength of our close-knit community in uniting to address issues that affect the wellbeing of our neighbors of all ages," said Janet King, executive director of The Community Fund of Darien, in a news release. "From the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly planning this event all year, to those who generously sponsored or attended in the spirit of philanthropy, the community could not be more appreciative."

All proceeds from the luncheon support The Community Fund of Darien’s mission to provide neighbors in Stamford, Norwalk, and Darien access to food, shelter, physical and mental healthcare, job training, and youth success programs through its annual grant cycle that last year granted over $790,000 to over 36 local agencies and programs.

In addition to seeing Wee Burn Country Club’s dining room transformed into a designers’ gallery of chic ideas, attendees were treated to a presentation from special guest speakers, Eliza Crater Harris, chief creative officer of Sister Parish, and her lifelong friend and interior designer, Lilse McKenna.

The duo discussed the rich history of Sister Parish, her iconic influence on design, and how her legacy has shaped Lilse's work. Eliza and Lilse will also share how they continue to bring Sister Parish's timeless values into their own modern design practices.

Sister Parish Design is an iconic American heritage textile and wallcovering brand. Founded in 1933 by legendary American interior designer Sister Parish, SPD is a fourth-generation female-owned and operated family business with a history of providing timeless and effortless designs to the great American houses of the past and future.

Run by CEO Susan Crater and her daughter, Creative Director Eliza Crater Harris, their mission is to encourage, inspire and educate designers and design enthusiasts alike to create homes that value authenticity, comfort, and connection. Susan and Eliza are proud to be known for their commitment to historically driven design and genuinely believe that it is through this lens that great American houses are born.

To view photos of the event, click here

The Designed to Dine 2024 Designer Roster featured Alchemy Celebrations; Amanda Callahan Interiors; Anna Burke Interiors; Ashley Kammerer Designs; Blue Shutter Design Studio; BY Interiors; Caroline Mendoza Horrigan Interiors; Emily Meszkat Interiors and Lotte Meister Design and Styling; Fisher Interiors; Flat Vernacular; Green & Grain Style; Henry & Co Design; Katherine Nedelkoff Design; Kerrie Kelley Design; Krista Fox Interiors and Destination Haus; Last Detail Interior Design; Lilse McKenna Inc; Mandarine Home and Flowers & Flowers; Marcia Noble Designs; McNell Interiors; Nielsen’s Florist; Rebecca Tier Soskin and Lark Home LLC; Sail to Sable; The Cabana; Seeds; Townsend & Co Interiors; Tusk Home & Design; Waylett & Willow Interiors; Yvonne O’Kane Designs; and Zac Mathias The Classic Chic.

For more information about The Community Fund of Darien, click here.