David Monn Presents 'The Art of Celebrating' at the CCI Spring Luncheon

Community Centers, Inc. of Greenwich (CCI) held its 6th Annual Spring Luncheon on Thursday, April 6, at the Belle Haven Club with special guest Event Planner, David Monn. The event featured a slideshow presentation by Monn which demonstrated Monn's broad range of artistry, from intimate private parties to noteworthy events. Monn began his presentation thanking CCI and Board Member, Joy Patafio, for the opportunity to present at the luncheon and for being an organization that supports humanity. "To speak about beauty is a very easy thing for me to do but to combine it with something that cares about humanity is a real gift, so thank you," Monn explained. He continued, "I never went to school. I'm one of six children and grew up in a two bedroom house in Pennsylvania; we were very poor but very blessed. I came to the conclusion, and I believe it is the core of this book, that you do not have to be creative to create, you must first be curious, and when you're curious you can collect, and when you can collect then you have the tools to journey."

Monn took attendees on a journey through several of his most spectacular events detailed in his book, The Art of Celebrating. Fifty percent of proceeds from book sales came back to CCI. "David's presentation was impressive to say the least, his imagery was truly magical, we all felt very lucky to be there, hearing about all the details that went into each event he designed and executed," said Carol Memishian. She continued, "David was so generous to share his event tips and childhood experiences with us. I feel we all left the event feeling inspired by his compassion, curiosity and kindness."

In the spirit of creativity, this year's luncheon included handmade cards at each place setting that were created by elementary and middle school students in CCI's after-school program. There was also a boutique filled with colorful up-cycled bracelets, necklaces and brooches, and delectable cookies, jams, and honey all handmade and donated by CCI supporters. Funds from the event will benefit programs at CCI which serve more than 1,100 Greenwich residents including at-risk youth, families, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs. CCI offers: Educational Programs, Summer Education and Recreation Programs for Children and Families, Senior Programs, Counseling and Therapy, Special Needs Adult and Youth Groups. Last year, youth enrolled in CCI’s Homework Club demonstrated a 90% improvement in homework completion rates, and 64% of youth enrolled in the Summer Program retained reading levels and experienced no summer learning loss.

According to the latest Needs Assessment Report, approximately 1 in every 5 of Greenwich families live either below the poverty line or in a low-income household. CCI relies on donations and several fundraising events to serve families and individuals who are in greatest need and who would otherwise be overlooked in Greenwich. "When I tell people that I work with low income individuals in Greenwich they often don’t believe me," said Lauren Franciamore. She continued, "they are shocked that there are people living in this community with financial need. It might surprise you to know that about 20% of Greenwich residents live either below the poverty line or in a low-income household. These are the people who CCI serves."

CCI created a list with donation envelopes at each table to help attendees understand how their support will benefit children and families in the community. Examples included the following; a donation of $500 provides 15 tickets for a Ropes Course, $400 admits 40 children to the Bronx Zoo, $300 lets 15 students visit Lego Land Discovery Center, $175 allows a family of five to enjoy a day at Six Flags, $150 pays for pottery class for 10 Special Needs Individuals, $135 send 20 children to the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, $100 admits five students to Lego Land Discovery Center, $75 allows two children to go to Rye Playland, $70 affords sports equipment - goals, jump ropes, hula hoops, $60 can help CCI update its ever popular Karaoke set, $50 buys new books for the CCI library, $40 purchases craft supplies for 10 children and $30 can update CCI's collection of board games.

Please help CCI continue its mission to empower clients to overcome educational, social, and economic barriers and reach their full potential by donating online (ccigreenwich.org) or by mail (payable to) Community Centers, Inc. at 61East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.

2017 Media Sponsor: Serendipity Magazine

2017 Spring Luncheon Committee Members: Barbara Arenz, Carmella Budkins, Mary Pat Cabrera, Laurie Cassoli, Carolyn Crabtree, Martha Eustis, Icy Frantz, Lauren Ghaffari, Barbara Gotch, Boo Huth, Miriam Landsman, Cathy Mariani, Carol Memishian, Joy Patafio, Alma Rutgers, Cheryl Simon, Betsy Swindell, Kimberly Terrenoire and Candee Weed.

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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

Board of Directors:

Carol A. Memishian – Board President

Philip A. Hadley – Vice President

Brian T. Kelley – Treasurer

Carmella Budkins – Secretary

Joseph A. Cabrera, Michael N. Chambers, Carolyn Crabtree, Martha Y. Eustis, Michael Johnson, Jay Levine, Cathy Mariani, Charles W. Pieterse, Esq., Joy Patafio, Todd Phillips, Winston Robinson, Alma Rutgers, Cheryl Simon, Esq., James S. Strong, Elizabeth O. Swindell, Kimberly Terrenoire, Peter G. Walsh, Candee Weed

Advisory Board:

Fred Christensen, Charles E. Coates III, Esq., Douglas Fainelli, Ernest B. Fleishman, Ed.D., Honorable Livvy Floren, William Hampton, MD, Philip R. Lochner Jr., Scott Mitchell, Barbara Nolan, Diane Selby, Peter J. Tesei, David N. Theis*, David H.W. Turner, Carl Zelinsky

*in memoriam

Photo credit: Elaine Ubiña – www.fairfieldcountylook.com