Spring Breakfast Speaker is Beautiful Example of RVNA's Mission

Nearly 400 people packed the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury at 7:30 this morning for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association's 17th Annual Spring Breakfast. It was a true breakfast of champions and celebration of a vital organization that has been providing home healthcare and wellness services to communities for 102 years. 

Attendees included local business owners and area residents, as well as town and government officials including First Selectman, Rudy Marconi, Selectman Maureen Kozlark, and State Representative, John Frey who support the mission of the RVNA: to provide exceptional home and health care service and support public health and safety while promoting the highest quality of life in Western Connecticut.

With RVNA Director of Development MJ Heller at the helm, a group of dedicated volunteers led by event co-chairs, Lori Berisford and Kerry Anne Ducey, made sure the eventful morning was fun, memorable and profitable for the RVNA. 

Numerous raffle prizes donated by many Ridgefield merchants added smiles and pizzazz to the morning and reminded all of the importance to shopping and supporting local!

And who needs coffee when you have Allison Stockel? She pumped so much energy into the room with her robust auctioneer skills, encouraging attendees to bid on wonderful items that promised trips to faraway lands, sporting events, and exquisite dinner parties.

A highlight of the event was the featured speaker, a Ridgefield mom, and wife of a Navy Seal, Kristen Grenier. Her words truly defined the RVNA as a Center for Exceptional Care.

There were few eyes dry after Grenier shared her emotional story about Ava, her daughter born with many medical complications. Not expected to live beyond one, Ava now five, has been able to achieve tremendous milestones due to the continuum of care provided by the RVNA. Not able to walk, Grenier held Ava in her arms, offering her gratitude to her daughter's nurse, case worker, and several of her therapists who were in attendance.

The important fundraiser enables the RVNA to support and expand its extensive community and wellness programs that include an annual health fair, blood pressure, flu and well child clinics, as well as home health care programs. The RVNA has been an essential part of our community since 1914.

Thank you to the thirty RVNA Spring Breakfast committee members, the 48 individuals, and businesses who sponsored tables, as well as the event sponsors and donors. Hats off to the Amber Room for providing top-notch service with a smile at 7:30am!

*Photos by Deborah O'Brien