Greenwich United Way to Host 85th Anniversary Celebration on October 13

Greenwich United Way to Host 85th Anniversary Celebration "Pearls & Prohibition" October 13 

The Greenwich United Way will pay tribute to its evolution during its 85th Anniversary Celebration taking place October 13 at Greenwich Country Club (19 Doubling Road). The event, titled Pearls & Prohibition, will honor past Board Chairs and pay tribute to the year 1933 when the Greenwich Community Chest & Council was founded. The Greenwich Community Chest & Council became the Greenwich United Way in 1975. Funds raised through this event will support critical programs that meet the health, education and self-sufficiency needs in the Greenwich community. 

The Anniversary Celebration Co-chairs are Karen Keegan, Nicole Kwasniewski, and Sabrina Pray Forsythe. Honorary Co-chairs are Leslie and John Cooper, who chaired the 75th Greenwich United Way Gala. "We got involved with the Greenwich United Way when it was the Community Chest and Council after attending one of the Leadership Dinners in the fall. The event was really spectacular, and it gave us the chance to learn about the organization's mission and what it meant to the town," said Leslie. John continued, "In the early 90's I was asked to join the Board and it really opened my eyes to the importance of the United Way in this town. I eventually became the Board Chair and in the last 28 years of being involved, I've watched its metamorphosis into a leader in the Greenwich community. If you missed the 75th gala which we co-chaired then you shouldn't miss this 85th celebration on October 13." 

Patrons and underwriters were invited to an exclusive speakeasy party on September 13 at Shreve Crump & Low (125 Greenwich Avenue). Shreve, Crump & Low plans to donate 20% of pearl sales now through the event on October 13 to the Greenwich United Way. [Photo attached of Co-chairs and Honorary Co-chairs at the event. Photo credit: Fairfield County Look.] 

"The funds we're raising will aid in meeting our mission that has remained consistent for 85 years," said Greenwich United Way CEO, David Rabin. He continued, "We're fortunate to have a community that cares. The safety net for the health, education, and self-sufficiency needs in Greenwich is the Greenwich United Way. I encourage all who can to please purchase a ticket to the event and support the local community."  The event will include a live performance by two multi-award-winning artists, Arthur Migliazza and Shana Farr; high-end wine raffle, and both live and silent auctions with Concierge Care at Glenville Medical Concierge Care Program, Dinner for 5 for 4 Nights from Food Design, Greenwich Town Party Tickets, Two Nights at Ocean House, Two Nights at White Elephant, New York Ranger Tickets, New York Yankees Tickets, Canyon Ranch Spa Package, Park City Penthouse for 2 Weeks, VIP Tickets to the 2019 Governors Ball, Garden Catering Nugget & Cone Party for 20, Concierge Pediatric Care at Next Generation Pediatrics, Rounds of Golf at all of the Country Clubs in Greenwich, Tour of Napa Valley with Terry Rodgers of Horseneck Wine, Bowling Party for 20 at Greenwich County Club. 

The first volunteer-driven, community-wide effort to raise funds for critical local services garnered $192,000. The chair of the first effort, Helen Wilshire Walsh, was quoted at the time: "We have not only raised a fund but created a spirit which Greenwich has never had before." Anyone with a connection to the Greenwich United Way is encouraged to share their story and photos by emailing info@greenwichunitedway.org. Content will be shared on social media with the hashtags #GUW85TH and #WeAreGreenwich and at upcoming events. 

"We're looking to explore the past 85 years of impact within the Greenwich community. If the Greenwich United Way or the Greenwich Community Chest and Council has made a positive impact on your life, we want to hear from you," said Greenwich United Way CEO, David Rabin. 

Vintage 1920's and 30's inspired attire is encouraged for the Pearls & Prohibition theme. Sophia's Costumes (1 Liberty Way) will provide a 20% discount for rentals reserved before October 1. 

Sponsors to date include Greenwich Hospital, United Bank, Shreve Crump & Low, Case Study Brands, Brown Advisory, Starr Films, Greenwich Magazine - Moffly Media, Serendipity and Sophia's. For more information or for underwriting opportunities, please contact Greenwich United Way Senior Director of Fund Development & Operations Jeremy Nappi at (203) 869-2221 or jnappi@greenwichunitedway.org.  

The 85th Celebration committee is led by Angelique Adelina, Elizabeth Angelone, Alex Bussenger, Laura Daniel, Jaime Eisenberg, Vicky Lamura Finnerty, Candia Fisher, Kristen Forlini, Rhiannon Forlini, Joui Hessel, Tracy Holton, Karen Hopp, Courtney Houghton, Karen Keegan, Robbie Kestnbaum, Nicole Kwasniewski, Melissa Levin, Dawn Light, Cricket Lockhart, Cait Kraus Long, Erin McCall, Marsha Mifflin, Christian Perry, Sharon Phillips, Anne Sherrerd, Robert Stepanian, Brook Urban, Diane Viton, Jill Weiner and Emily Zerbst.

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Submitted by Cos Cob, CT

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