CCI Luncheon with David Monn and First Ever Pop-Up Boutique

Tickets are still available for the Community Centers, Inc. of Greenwich (CCI) Annual Spring Luncheon at the Belle Haven Club on Thursday, April 6. Celebrated Event Planner, David Monn, will conduct a presentation and book signing during the luncheon. Monn will donate 50% of the proceeds from book sales at the event back to CCI’s programs that serve more than 1,100 Greenwich residents. Plus, all guests attending the event will receive beautiful handmade cards created by CCI youth as a token of CCI’s appreciation.

Luncheon guests can also shop at the first-ever CCI-inspired pop-up boutique before Friday, April 7, when it opens to the public from 10:00 am. until 12:00 pm. at CCI (61 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830).

Items at the boutique include one-of-a-kind, up-cycled accessories that promote the idea of new uses for old things. "Each piece is handmade, using recycled materials, in this case buttons, buckles and toggles. There is a good deal of bakelite which has not been made since the 40’s," said Carol Memishian, CCI Board President. She continued, "these pieces are very valuable and collectible, wearable art. Each piece is colorful, interesting, nicely done and can be worn with the added pleasure of supporting a wonderful agency." CCI volunteers also up-cycled glass, shell, celluloid, metal, and vegetable ivory to create bracelets and brooches and necklaces. Bracelets range in price from $65 to $195, brooches from $50 to $95 and necklaces from $195 to $225.

Funds raised during the CCI Luncheon and Pop-Up Boutique will benefit CCI’s homework clubs, after-school and summer enrichment programs, therapeutic counseling and supportive social groups, and ELL and American Citizenship classes.

One of the more popular programs is Homework Club that meets four days per week at the Julian Curtiss School, the New Lebanon School, the International School at Dundee, and the Hamilton Avenue School. Together with CCI’s Breakfast Club, these programs serve almost 300 students annually. CCI’s school-based programs give staff an opportunity to develop relationships with the teachers, become advocates for other educational service needs, and assist parents in communicating with school personnel. "Our immediate goal is to have 85% of homework assignments completed,” said CCI Executive Director, Lauren Franciamore. She continued, "our future goals include narrowing the achievement gap.”

CCI was founded in 1955, after a forerunner agency of the Greenwich United Way (Community Chest) issued a report recommending that the then three community centers that it supported be placed under one administration, to be called Community Centers, Inc. The purpose of CCI was "to assure to each resident in Greenwich an opportunity to participate in educational and recreational activities and to receive counseling on the basis of his particular needs and interests.” Today, approximately 17% of Greenwich residents live either below the poverty line or in a low-income household. CCI remains committed to serving these families and individuals who are in greatest need in the community and who would otherwise be overlooked.

CCI’s clients include youth, families, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs. To register for the Annual Spring Luncheon please visit CCI online (ccigreenwich.com). For event sponsorship and underwriting opportunities or to become a CCI Pop-Up Shop Vendor please contact Executive Director at CCI, Lauren Franciamore, LCSW. Visit CCI online for more information (www.ccigreenwich.org).

About David Monn

David Monn, dubbed “the Architect of Style,” is known for his elegant taste, exquisite attention to detail, discipline and refinement, and genuine appreciation of the five senses. As an expert and spokesperson on defining modern living, David is passionate about making your environment more beautiful with light, simplicity and authenticity. David is best known for his broad range of artistry, from staging intimate private parties to creating memorable events such as the White House State Visit, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Ball, the Park Avenue Armory’s performance production, “In the Void,” the Centennial Celebration for the New York Public Library, and many more. Before working as an event planner, David worked in the fashion, interior design and jewelry industries. He continues to impact the way people think about beauty for their homes, corporations, celebrations and weddings. David’s success is based in part on his commitment to beauty which intends to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. To view photographs of David’s work and to learn more about this author, designer and artist, please visitwww.davidmonn.com.

About Community Centers, Inc. of Greenwich

Community Centers, Inc. (ccigreenwich.org) is a Greenwich-based social service agency dedicated to building skills that empower clients to overcome educational, social, and economic barriers. For over 60 years, CCI has offered, free of charge, homework clubs, tutoring, after school and summer enrichment programs, therapeutic counseling, supportive social groups, and ELL and American Citizenship classes. Social work services are at the core of all our work. CCI’s services and outreach programs serve approximately 1100 individuals annually and the number of people relying on these social services is growing. We have become, through our work and dedication, a symbol of hope, advocacy, reliability and success: #Care #Counsel #Inspire

[Pictured: Betsy Swindell, Joy Patafio, Barbara Arenz, Lauren Franciamore, Icy Frantz and Candee Weed showing handmade accessories for the Spring Luncheon boutique.]