2 Norwalk Non-Profit Organizations Presented With $50,000

Information via the city of Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — On Wednesday, Mayor Harry Rilling presented Open Doors and Filling in the Blanks, the two non-profit organizations selected as this year's beneficiaries for the 2023 Mayor's Ball, with a check totaling $50,000.

According to a news release provided by the city, each nonprofit organization was awarded $25,000 in fundraising donations.

This annual event, held April 21, was put on pause for several years due to the coronavirus crisis, however this year's event marked the twenty-eighth year of this city tradition.

"I'm pleased that this year's Mayor's Ball raised a total of $50,000 that will directly benefit people in our community through donations to Open Doors and Filling in the Blanks," Rilling said in a news release. "I couldn't think of two more worthy causes that directly impact people's lives by helping them gain the resources they need. Open Doors helps people access housing and Filling in the Blanks works to combat child hunger by distributing meals to those in need. I want to thank everyone who helped raise money for these two incredible organizations during this year's Mayor's Ball."

According to the city, Open Doors and Filling in the Blanks are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations based in Norwalk.

Open Doors strives to make a direct impact in the greater Norwalk area by guiding every person in the cycle of homelessness toward housing stability. They help Norwalk area residents in achieving economic stability through three core components: employment, coaching and income support navigation, according to the city.

Filling in the Blanks fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals. The organization was founded in 2013 by two community activist mothers, Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer, as a way to marry their shared passion for community, children and charity, according to the city.

The Mayor's Ball, established as a non-profit charitable institution in 1993, is an annual nonpartisan event that brings people together to help raise funds for local organizations selected by the mayor of Norwalk.