From the PTA to the Pediatric Wing: My Journey of Local Impact

When people first meet me, Andi Sklar, they might just see another Westport, Connecticut mom navigating the daily juggle of carpool lines and family dinners. But if you talk to anyone in Fairfield County’s nonprofit world, they'll tell you I'm more than that: a quiet but determined force in grassroots philanthropy, event strategy, and hands-on service. My journey, from preschool committee meetings to helping raise millions for healthcare, really shows the difference one focused woman can make when purpose and persistence come together.
My story isn’t about some sudden change. It's about years of rolling up my sleeves, building connections, and simply showing up—not for recognition, but because I truly believe in the power of local involvement. Whether I'm organizing a small lemonade stand to help children in crisis or coordinating EKG screenings at major hospitals, I approach philanthropy with the same genuine spirit I bring to everything else in my life: family always comes first, community is essential, and making a real impact is at the heart of it all.

It Started at the Preschool Table

For many parents, volunteering kicks off at school, and for me, it was no different. My first real dive into philanthropy began at the Temple Israel Early Childhood Center in Westport, where I chaired the preschool committee. Even then, my approach was a bit different. I didn’t just attend meetings; I built systems, increased participation, and brought an energy that others naturally gravitated toward.
Those early years were crucial. I wasn’t just learning how to run meetings or plan fundraisers—I was starting to understand the very structure of community. I realized that when people feel genuinely invited to participate, with clarity and warmth, they're more likely to say yes. And that lesson would go on to shape everything I've done since.

Angel-ade: Lemonade With a Mission

If the preschool committee introduced me to structured volunteering, it was co-founding Angel-ade that truly ignited my sense of purpose. Created with Al’s Angels, a nonprofit that supports children and families facing life-threatening illnesses, Angel-ade was more than just a sweet summer activity. It became a model for what community fundraising could look like when families worked together for something bigger than themselves.
Kids ran the lemonade stands, neighbors stopped by to donate, and I was often behind the scenes, quietly coordinating everything. It was a pure and powerful example of family-based philanthropy, a concept I would champion in countless other initiatives.
As I've often said, "It wasn’t about perfection. It was about showing our kids that giving back could be part of everyday life.”

Scaling Up: Raising Millions for Women’s Health

As my children grew, so did the reach of my efforts. I stepped into a leadership role at PinkAid, a nonprofit dedicated to helping underserved breast cancer patients. Starting as Auction Chair and eventually becoming Event Chair, I helped the organization raise over $1 million through my work.
But for me, fundraising was never just about the money. It was about preserving dignity. I insisted on creating events that not only raised funds but also educated attendees and honored survivors. I brought elegance, emotion, and empathy to each event—qualities that are often underestimated but profoundly important in philanthropy.
These events also highlighted my signature style: meticulous planning combined with genuine storytelling. Whether it was designing a room layout or choosing a speaker lineup, I understood the power of emotional connection. My goal was always the same—to inspire action rooted in compassion.

Hearts in Harmony and the Fight Against Long QT Syndrome

While many might have stopped after such achievements, I kept going—this time with an even more personal mission. Partnering with my close friend Kira Greenfield, I helped launch Hearts in Harmony, an initiative focused on raising awareness and research funds for Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), a potentially fatal heart condition affecting children.
The connection wasn't theoretical for me; I had watched families in my own community grapple with the fear and uncertainty that LQTS brings. So, I did what I always do: I acted.
From leading awareness campaigns to helping organize "Shake It for Shea," a major fundraising event, I brought all my talents to the table. I didn't just amplify the cause—I helped normalize conversations around pediatric heart health, bringing life-saving information into schools, doctors' offices, and family homes.

“Check Your Beat”: Prevention as a Priority

One of the most concrete demonstrations of my commitment came through an event I helped organize called “Check Your Beat”—a community initiative that offered free EKGs to children.
This event perfectly captured my holistic approach to philanthropy. It wasn’t just about raising money or awareness; it was about intervention, about doing something that could literally save lives before a crisis even occurs.
Held in partnership with local physicians and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, “Check Your Beat” is a shining example of how local advocates can advance public health—not with grand national mandates, but with grassroots coordination, education, and the dedication of a few brave volunteers.

Connecticut Children’s: Building a Culture of Care

My increasing involvement with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center truly represents the full journey I’ve taken—from parent advocate to regional philanthropic leader. In my current role, I work with the hospital’s physicians, staff, and board members to garner community support and host dynamic, accessible fundraising events.
I’ve helped organize everything from intimate networking gatherings to large-scale hospital tours that connect donors with pediatric specialists. My ability to blend storytelling with logistics—to make the mission feel real and urgent—is part of what makes me so effective.
Through this work, I help shed light on the challenges children’s hospitals face: from funding advanced treatments and life-saving equipment to covering support services that families desperately need but insurance rarely covers. I use my platform not just to raise money, but to raise understanding—a goal that is often harder to quantify, but just as crucial.

A Philosophy of “Enough”

If there's one consistent theme in all my work, it's this: you don’t need to do absolutely everything—you just need to do something.
I don’t preach hustle culture or dedication disguised as burnout. I speak openly about balancing motherhood, marriage, and the mental load that comes with being deeply involved in my community. And yet, I continue to show up. Not perfectly. Not always with grand gestures. But always with purpose.
“You can make a difference just by caring enough to try,” I say. “It doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be honest.”

Westport Roots, Wide-Ranging Impact

Although my impact now extends beyond state lines—helping connect researchers, healthcare institutions, and nonprofits—my roots remain firmly planted in Westport. It’s here that I learned how to lead. It’s here I raised my family. And it’s here, every day, that I continue to model what community-driven service can look like when done with integrity, humility, and heart.
From the PTA meeting room to the pediatric wing of a hospital, my journey is a blueprint for meaningful local action. My story is a reminder that you don’t need a national stage to change lives. Sometimes, all it takes is one person who’s willing to care—and then keep caring, year after year.