Why I Give Back

STAMFORD, CT: Jenny Reinoso-Castellano, Connecticut Senator Blumenthal’s head of fundraising and compliance and I met at Sign of the Whale for an opportunity to learn more about her commitment and involvement with planning successful fundraising events for organizations including Stamford Dollars for Scholars. In addition to planning and executing fundraisers, she fosters partnerships and secures a strong, diverse group of sponsors.

In June, Jenny and Nicole Tarzia, board member of Stamford Dollars for Scholars and founder of the Tarzia Foundation spearheaded the Stamford Dollars for Scholars Monte Carlo Casino Night, a new event concept for the organization inspired by James Bond at the Italian Center in Stamford. Sponsors included the title sponsor IT recruitment firm Vanator, and beverage sponsor Fairfield County-based Cylinder vodka offering a signature drink and vodka tasting for VIP ticket holders.

I asked her what does it take to put on an amazing fundraiser?

“I give my time, my love, passion and dedication.”

“It takes a lot of coordination of personalities and people. Everyone throws in ideas and then more ideas come out”. Leveraging her contacts always asking herself “Who do you know?” when recruiting talent and securing sponsorships that are well aligned with the goals and mission of the organization. An example were the artisanal cupcakes that served as both dessert for attendees and part of the event theme decor created by Ana (last name). Multiple flavors of cupcakes were meticulously stacked in a beautiful presentation for both Monte Carlo Night and the Tarzia Foundation Annual Holiday Fundraiser benefitting Toys for Tots. She forged a relationship by contacting a New York-based organization (Sean’s Organization) For Monte Carlo Night, Reinoso notes working with Stamford Dollars for Scholars board members John Schnefke of Speed Printing and Graphics, David McCall SD4S Events Chair, and Nicola Tarzia all were a wealth of ideas (ideas elaborate?) to

Reinoso states she “gets a good crowd” and when planning and executing events. Her colleagues trust her with handling the fine details including decorations. Her reason for her commitment to the SD4S mission is clear, she volunteers “for the kids.” She hopes that when her 1 year old nephew is older, there will still be organizations and individuals that give back to invest in a better future for him and other youth. This is why she encourages her interns to apply for Stamford Dollars for Scholars scholarships.

In addition to the working for Senator Blumenthal fundraising in Washington DC, Norwalk, Bridgeport and Boston, and her volunteer work for SD4S and the Tarzia Foundation, she devotes time to CDVC, and the Ecuadorian Committee. Reinoso was four years old when she arrived form Ecuador. “Everything was a fight for my family. I give back giving these kids what I didn’t have. It is rewarding to see the kids’ faces.”

Reinoso hopes that SD4S will “grow more, and do more.” She also envisions the organization maintaining contact with recipients to see how they are impacted. Her next event on the roster is the Hispanic Day Fundraiser October 12th at the Stamford Italian Center offering food tastings from local restaurants and a traditional Latin garment contest.