New Canaan Edges Out Darien As 'Most Generous Town' Of 2018

NEW CANAAN, CT — While both communities can feel a sense of pride for their overall generosity, New Canaan was just a little more generous this fall between the annual Turkey Bowl and Giving Tuesday.

New Canaan edged out Darien in the 2018 "Most Generous Town" competition, the annual edition of the contest in which donations to to the New Canaan Community Foundation and the Community Fund of Darien.

Just over $150,000 was raised for the two organizations, which in turn give grants to local charities.

Lauren Patterson, President and CEO of the New Canaan Community Foundation, tells Patch that this year the contest came down to the wire, with New Canaan residents giving a total of $77,964 to Darien's $76,880.

"We could not be more pleased – our two towns more than doubled their giving from last year’s inaugural event," Patterson said. "We are all winners in this friendly competition, giving back to our communities."

Over the six-day period of the contest, residents donated online and through mobile giving, as well as at events - such as the Turkey Bowl - at local stores and restaurants.

The donations will support a host of local nonprofits, ranging from programs geared toward the arts to seniors, human services to behavioral health, the environment and more. Combined, the two beneficiaries annually support more than 200 local charities that address various critical needs in lower Fairfield County.

Founded in 1977, the New Canaan Community Foundation serves as New Canaan’s local partner for advice, leadership, and facilitation of charitable giving. Their vision strives for a New Canaan that comes together to address both individual and local challenges, enriching the lives of all community members.

Last year alone, the New Canaan Community Foundation invested more than $1.3 million in nonprofits, including 80 local organizations vetted through a volunteer-led process. To-date, the New Canaan Community Foundation has invested more than $13 million in nonprofit organizations and partnered with individuals and businesses to achieve their philanthropic goals through donor-advised funds and other partnerships.

Photo: From left, Janet King, The Community Fund of Darien’s Executive Director, awards the trophy to New Canaan First Selectman Kevin Moynihan and Lauren Patterson, New Canaan Community Foundation’s President & CEO. Photo credit: New Canaan Community Foundation

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