Seymour PInk seeks donations to reach this year's 5K goal

SEYMOUR - As many nonprofit organizations do, Seymour Pink relies on its donations. Our 5K in October each year is our biggest source of donations!

Last year, we realized over $100,000 in donations from our 5K. This allowed us to help over 130 breast cancer patients and their families financially. Additionally, we were able to send those that applied for financial assistance last year, a $500 Visa gift card for their holiday season.

All of this happens because of the incredible generosity of our community.

We are currently at just over $26,000 in donations for the 5K.

Your donations, big or small, lift the financial burdens placed on the shoulders of our breast cancer patients due to their barbaric treatment. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Please consider becoming a fundraiser for our 5K and or donating to our 5K.

The link to our 5K is below:

https://runsignup.com/.../PoundingthePavementforPink5K

So GRATEFUL for your support!

This is shared from the nonprofit's Facebook page.

Seymour Pink posts weekly fundraising check-in for 12th annual 5K

 

This was posted today on the Seymour Pink Facebook page.

Team Seymour Pink registration for Marine Corps Marathon opens March 1

 

Learn more about fundraising requirements and benefits of joining our team at

https://runsignup.com/.../MarineCorpsMarathonSeymourPinkI...

This is shared from the nonprofit's Facebook page.

Fundraisers slated in October to benefit The Valley Goes Pink

The 13th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign invites residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events throughout October for a good cause.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. 

For registration, tickets, and more information, visit griffinhealth.org/pink.

Pizza Party for Pink, Oct. 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Char & Lemon, 302 Center Rock Green, Quarry Walk in Oxford will host a Pizza Party for Pink, featuring great food and raffles.

The Marvelous Wonderettes Dream On, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. - Center Stage Theatre, 54 Grove St., Shelton, is dedicating a special performance of “The Marvelous Wonderettes Dream On” to benefit The Valley Goes Pink. Tickets are $50. Cabaret seating and BYO food and drink.

Bare Slate Open Workshop, Oct. 25 from 6-9 p.m. - Bare Slate will host a special workshop fundraiser at Steady Habits Tasting Lounge, 320 Howe Avenue, Shelton. Tickets are $75. Project, pizza, and salad included.

Necklace Raffle - Win a White Gold 2.65 CT Aqua Pendant necklace valued at $1,600! Necklace generously donated by AJ Klein Jewelers in Shelton. Tickets are $10 each. Winner will be drawn on Oct. 31.

For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Seymour Pink nears $70K fundraising goal

Sharing message from Mary Deming, founder of Seymour Pink:

"So far we have fundraised $68,000 towards our goal of $70,000. We are so close! The donation window closes next Wednesday, October 20 (Seymour Pink Day).  

"Make your last fundraising efforts now! "

                 Link to Donate

 

Valley United Way welcomes new director of development

Brian Mezzi

Sharing a press release from the Valley United Way:

"We are excited to welcome to our staff Brian Mezzi, our new Director of Development, starting this month. 

"Brian is currently working with the United Way of Greater New Haven as their Assistant Development Director. Through a special work share agreement, he will be joining us part time each week to help develop and grow our fundraising capacity.

"Brian comes to us with almost 10 years of experience working with United Ways on community engagement and development. He especially loves development work since it is an opportunity to inspire others and help them meet their philanthropic goals. We are so grateful that Brian will be joining our team, albeit remotely for now, and look forward to all that he will contribute to our community and to the Valley United Way!"

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features war bond selling contest

Turnback Tuesday goes back to WWII. During the war Libraries participated in a Fifth War Loan, War Bond Campaign which was opened on June 12, 1944 all over Connecticut. Libraries joined the march to send equipment to the fighting front. The Fifth War Loan was a campaign to raise money which was needed to win that final victory! 

Derby Public Library proudly joined in the effort.

Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Derby native named development officer of Boys & Girls Club

 Lenskold

SHELTON - Diane Potkay Lenskold, a Derby native, has joined the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley as its new Development Officer. 

She comes to the Boys & Girls Club with more than seven years’ development experience and more than five years’ experience marketing for wealth managers.
“Diane is a perfect complement to our leadership team,” said Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director. “She understands the importance of developing professional relationships with our supporters built on trust and good communication. Diane’s work will be essential in advancing our Boys & Girls Club mission and strengthening our relationships among donors.”
Lenskold said, “I will work tirelessly to support our donors and to help the Boys & Girls Club continue to flourish so they can continue to help kids and their families throughout the Valley."
Most recently, she served as Business Manager and Director of Development for Today’s American Catholic Publishing Co. in Farmington, where she worked with the Board of Directors to re-energize the company, its mission, and vision while managing fundraising annual appeals and individual solicitations for major gifts. 
Lenskold worked with both Yale University and the Culinary Institute of America, where she developed and implemented goals and strategies for individual giving and capital campaigns.

Lenskold holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and took graduate classes at the University of New Haven School of Business. She and her brothers grew up playing sports for Derby High School, and in 2016 Diane was inaugurated into Derby’s first class of the Athletic Hall of Fame. 

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Concert, chili contest, 2nd annual Diamond Dig to benefit Valley Goes Pink

DERBY - The 9th Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to another exciting week of events filled with a concert, chili, and carats.

The Valley Goes Pink will host a Rock the Valley Pink concert at 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton, featuring Social Convention. 
A $20 donation includes admission and a free drink.

Bad Sons Beer Company, 251 Roosevelt Drive, Derby, will host a chili contest between first responders from the Valley at 6 p.m. Oct. 23. 
A $25 donation includes tasting and a vote. Cash bar for craft beer.

And from 3-7 p.m. Oct. 25 Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, will host its second annual Diamond Dig. Take your chances at winning precious gemstones, including a 1-carat diamond. 
Cost is a $40 donation for each bucket.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase partnering organizations.

For more information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Wine tasting, trivia in Shelton highlight next week in The Valley Goes Pink

SHELTON - The Ninth Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to an exciting week of wine and whiskey tasting and trivia.

The Valley Goes Pink Wine & Whiskey Tasting will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton invites participants to sip and savor a broad array of fine wines and whiskeys. 
The event includes food and entertainment and special discounts through a partnership with Kindred Spirits of Shelton. 
Tickets are $50 for wine or whiskey tasting or $75 for both.

Team Tatas Trivia Night will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. A $25 donation includes a fun night filled with trivia and prizes, and Porky’s famous wings and pizza. 
Cash bar. Call Karyn for reservations at 203-445-3091.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase partnering organizations.

For more information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Valley Goes Pink kicks off with concert on Huntington Green

DERBY - The Ninth Annual Valley Goes Pink campaign invites residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events featuring great food, drink, and fun for a good cause throughout September and October.

The campaign kicks off Sept. 23 from 1-4 p.m. with “Turn the Huntington Green Pink,” a free concert featuring Shot Down, as well as activities for children, and food trucks at the Huntington Green in Shelton.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. 

For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley, 203-521-2233 or Frannie Leonard, 203-218-8196 for more information. 

For more information about Valley Goes Pink and additional events, visit the Valley Goes Pink on Facebook or griffinhealth.org/pink.

Waiters Go Pink, Oct. 1 - Volunteer waiters will serve guests at Wellington's Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton, and tips will go to the cause. Begins at 5:30 p.m. Reservations required at 203-929-0336.

Bras for the Valley, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. - This highly-anticipated event features ART BRAS designed by volunteers and then showcased in a fashion show and live auction at Il Palio, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton. Tickets are $40. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 for sponsorships or to enter a model!

Pinktoberfest by Yuengling, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. – Come enjoy Yuengling beer specials, a special “Germanfest” tasting menu and great giveaways at Wellington's Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton.

Bingo for Boobies at THC, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. - Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo and great prizes, including a flat screen TV, at The Hops Company, 77 Sodom Lane, Derby. A $25 donation includes 10 bingo sheets and pizza. Call Sue for reservations at 203-400-1068.

Wine & Whiskey Tasting Event, Oct. 11 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. - Sip and savor a broad array of fine wines and whiskeys at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. 
The event includes food and entertainment and special discounts through a partnership with Kindred Spirits of Shelton. $50 for wine or whiskey tasting; $75 for both.

Team Tatas Trivia Night, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. - Come for a fun night filled with trivia and prizes at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. A $25 donation includes Porky’s famous wings and pizza. Cash bar. Call Karyn for reservations at 203-445-3091.

Rock the Valley Pink, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. - Come see Social Convention perform at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. A $20 donation includes a free drink.

Chili Cook off, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. – First responders from the Valley compete for best tasting chili at Bad Sons Beer Company, 251 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. Cash bar for craft beer. A $25 donation includes tasting and a vote.

Second Annual Diamond Dig, Oct. 25 from 3-7 p.m. - Take your chances at winning precious gemstones and a 1-carat diamond at Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton.

$40 donation for each bucket.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Adam's House in Shelton seeks volunteers

SHELTON - Adam's House is looking for volunteers to help support its mission in the area of events and fundraising. 
The organization is looking for people to be ambassadors by sharing its mission in their communities, plan, and execute events, and fund-raise at different points throughout the year.

A meeting for volunteers will be held at 6 p.m. Monday (Aug. 14) at Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave.

The mission of The Adam Wysota Foundation is to offer grief education and peer support in a home-like setting called Adam's House. 

Adam's House is a safe, healing place for families as they go though their eight-week grief journey. 
Children and their families will gather to draw support from their peers and gain new strategies for dealing with their loss. 

All programs are offered at no cost to participating families. 

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Adam's House in Shelton offers volunteer oportunities

First volunteer meeting is scheduled June 26 from 6-8 p.m.

We are looking for volunteers to help support our mission in the area of events and fundraising. Our volunteers would act as ambassadors by sharing our mission in their communities, plan and execute events, and fund raise at different points throughout the year. Attend your first meeting with no commitment and learn about all our volunteer opportunities.    This is a press release from Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton, a nonprofit grief education center.

BHcare names Valley native as director of development

BHcare announced today that Joy DeMarchis has joined the organization as Director of Development. 

DeMarchis

DeMarchis is responsible for developing a comprehensive strategic plan for fundraising and development initiatives and to increase BHcare’s visibility in the community. 

She will also oversee the organization’s events including our Bowl-2-Benefit, Shoreline Benefit featuring Cupcake Wars, Pedal for PCRC and the Great Give. 

DeMarchis will split her time in the Ansonia and Branford offices and is responsible for the supervision of the development staff.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the dedicated team at BHcare,” DeMarchis said. “I look forward to helping the organization continue to provide quality behavioral health, addiction and domestic violence services for the Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.” 

DeMarchis recently returned to Connecticut from Tampa, Fla. where she served as the assistant vice president of international and domestic business development. 

Her nonprofit experience includes serving on the executive team of Mary Wade Home of Greater New Haven, development director of United Way of Greater Waterbury and director of the Valley United Way Volunteer Action Center. 

DeMarchis is the first recipient of the Connecticut Association of Fundraising Professionals Excellence in Leadership award for her work to spearhead a “Best in State” award and philanthropy conference for the organization from 2011-2015.  She is a founding member of the Greater New Haven Exchange Club. 

DeMarchis is a past Chair of Communications for the Best Buddies of CT walk, former Chair of the Stratford YMCA Youth Campaign, and served on the Women’s Business Council, and an active member of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

She also was a grant reviewer for the Valley Community Foundation and William Casper Graustein Foundation.

Community provider

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Ansonia resident seeks help for 5 families displaced by Friday's fire

This is one of two multi-family houses heavily damaged by fire Friday night at the corner of Fourth and Liberty streets in Ansonia.

ANSONIA - Resident Missy Lundeen, a volunteer with the Red Cross, is working hard to help five families displaced by a fire last Friday night. 

All of the information Lundeen shares, including Facebook live videos, can be found on her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/HelpingFireVictimsInTheValley


There is also a GoFundMe page set up for the Martinez/Pozo family, with a goal of raising $15,000.
You can find it here.

Duck race in Naugatuck to benefit MDA of CT

Waterbury resident Cheryle Elliott asked me to post this duck race form. 
Her son, Dakota Fortier, 12, is an MDA CT Local Ambassador for the second consecutive year. I was with them today at an MDA lockup fund-raising event at Woodbridge Social, a restaurant in Woodbridge.

As you can see, Dakota has a smile that lights up the room. You can follow his adventures here on his Facebook page.

Adam's House in Shelton to participate in Giving Day March 9

Big news. March 9 is Fairfield County’s Giving Day and We are In It to Win It! Save the date - Adam's House is participating in Fairfield County’s Giving Day on March 9 – and we have big plans! Our goal is to raise $5,000 and we need your help! Hosted by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Giving Day is a 24-hour online event to “Give Where You Live” and celebrate our work, and the work of all local nonprofits. We invite you to be a part of this fun, exiting event. Last year, $1.25 million was raised for 410 local nonprofits! Not only will your gift help us reach our goal, but it may qualify us to win additional grant prizes. Gifts of any size can make a huge difference. (The minimum gift allowed is $10.) This year we are opening our doors and inviting our community in for a Special Open House from 5-7 p.m.  There will be activities for the kids and special guests throughout the night. Adam's House will be out and about in the community March 9 so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the loop as Giving Day draws near! *Adam's House, a non-profit grief education center, is located at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Valley United Way kicks off annual campaign in Ansonia

Valley United Way Community Campaign Chairman Jimmy Tickey speaks Tuesday at the 49th annual kickoff reception in the newly-renovated Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia. Tickey said the fund-raising goal is $1 million this year.


Stay tuned for more in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter.

Valley Shakespeare Festival to host 'spree' at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

A scene from the touring production of 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre.' / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Valley Shakespeare Festival continues its innovative ways to bring the fun and excitement of live classical theater to an ever-growing Connecticut audience by sponsoring a six-hour, free “activity spree” from 2-8 p.m. May 3 at Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.  

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s 36-hour Great Give annual online fundraising campaign for local nonprofits begins May 3. 
Valley Shakespeare Festival is doing its part to raise interest in its organization by giving the community a free sampling of its “wares.”  

First up for the day is “Afternoon Tea with the Queen” at 2 p.m. in the lovely Reading Room of the Romanesque Revival building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.  

From 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre'

Guests of Her Majesty, the Queen, and her Jester will be treated to a light repast typical of an Elizabethan afternoon tea, including assorted sweets and teas, while learning about the life and culture of 17^th century England.  
Then, as an introduction to the company’s summer production, “The Taming of the Shrew,” the company will present a very special vocal performance of selections from the musical version of the play, “Kiss Me, Kate” by local favorites Gary Harger and Tom Simonetti. 

At 5 p.m. Valley Shakespeare Festival’s very own Fool will emcee “Jester’s ‘Jeopardy!’”, his wacky version of the perennially popular television game show. 
Guests will have time to relax and enjoy free pizza while the contestants, a team of representatives from the Shelton school system, prepare to compete to find out who is the District’s foremost expert on everything Bard.  
But these brave contestants will, no doubt, find their greatest challenge not in the Jester’s questions, but in their ability to maintain a straight face as he does his best clowning to throw them off their games!  

At 7 p.m., the company will head back up to the library’s Reading Room to present a full performance of their 2016 touring production of “Pericles, Prince of Tyre,” an adventure yarn set in the Greek isles.  
This is the same performance which will be presented to Shelton fourth, fifth and sixth grade students as part of Valley Shakespeare Festival’s Education Initiative Program this spring.

All three events are free and open to the public and guests are invited to attend any or all as they wish. 
Valley Shakespeare Festival representatives will be on hand to assist any guests who are interested in donating to the company via the Great Give during the events.

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) theater company dedicated to bringing free and affordably-priced theater to the communities of the lower Naugatuck Valley.

Ansonia furniture store donates $1,000 to Valley Goes Pink campaign

Pictured from left: Director of Sales WPLR/ Connoisseur Media Andy Alcosser, Fiona Paterson of Griffin Hospital Development Fund, Valley Goes Pink co-chair Jodi Dawley, Spector Furniture co-owners Howie and Ken Kreiger, and Connecticut Post Senior VP of Sales and Marketing Rich Medeiros./Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Spector Furniture & Home Décor recently donated $1,000 to improve breast cancer services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and help spread the word about breast health this October.

The $1,000 donation was collected throughout October as a portion of the store’s sales for the month was set aside for 

The 6^th Annual Valley Goes Pink, a Valley-wide campaign to support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

In addition to the donation, Spector Furniture Co-owner Howie Kreiger served on the Valley Goes Pink Committee and assisted in securing media sponsorships from The Connecticut Post and WPLR. 
Kreiger also collected auction and raffle prizes from area businesses for Valley Goes Pink events.

The Valley Goes Pink brings together schools, organizations and businesses to hold fundraising events throughout October to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

For more information about The Valley Goes Pink and how to get involved, visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.